Dhaka, Aug. 23 -- Terming communal harmony a great tradition of the nation, President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged people of all religions to strengthen it to attain national development and progress through collective endeavor.

"Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. All religious festivals are celebrated here with fervour and gaiety. I urge people of all religions to maintain it through collective efforts and utilise it for attaining development of the country," he said.

He made the call while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at a reception at Bangabhaban, marking Janmashtami, an annual Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

President Hamid also stressed the need fo...