Patrick DRozario calls on President
BSS
President Abdul Hamid yesterday said the appointment of the first cardinal from Bangladesh is a recognition of its tradition of communal harmony, reports BSS. The President said this when newly appointed Cardinal of Bangladesh Patrick D Rozario made a courtesy call on President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban yesterday afternoon. During the meeting, the President congratulated Patrick D Rozario on being appointed as cardinal and said it is a great achievement for Bangladesh. The Presidents press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meeting. Abdul Hamid said people of all religions in Bangladesh live in a friendly and peaceful environment and hoped that the new cardinal will put all-out effort to expand the tradition of communal harmony. Describing the relations between Bangladesh and Vatican as excellent, he said the visit of Pope in 2017 (tentative timeline November/December) will further strengthen the relations. The newly appointed cardinal said the Vatican City praises the success of Bangladesh in development, women empowerment, achieving Millennium Development Goals and steps to face climate change impact which are exemplary to others.
Patrick D Rozario said the inter-religion relationship in Bangladesh is also praiseworthy and his appointment to the new post is also a recognition of it.
He sought Presidents cooperation to run educational and social institutions in Bangladesh managed by Catholic Community. On October 9, Archbishop Patrick DRozario of Dhaka was elevated to the rank of the Cardinal, first ever in Bangladesh. The ceremonies related to the conferral of this prestigious honor took place in Vatican on November 19 and 20. Ambassador of Vatican City to Bangladesh George Kocherry, Auxiliary Bishop of Dhaka Shorot Francis Gomes and secretaries concerned to the President were present.
