Dhaka: Christmas Day, marking the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, a Jewish preacher and religious leader of the first century, will be observed across the country on Thursday. Christian communities in Bangladesh, like elsewhere in the world, will celebrate the day with religious fervour and festivity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, special prayers will be offered at churches, which will be illuminated for the occasion. Makeshift Christmas trees will be set up at homes, churches, and mission centres across the country. Elderly members of the community, dressed as Santa Claus, will engage with children and distribute gifts, embodying a universal Christian practice. Christmas Day is recognized as a public holiday in Bangladesh.
In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended their greetings to the Christian community on this occasion. They conveyed wishes for peace, welfare, and prosperity for all citizens of the country, including members of the Christian community. President Shahabuddin emphasized Bangladesh’s communal harmony and called for strengthening it further to build a modern and developed nation. He wished peace, prosperity, and well-being for all Christian community members.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus acknowledged the message of peace, justice, and humanity brought by Jesus Christ. Highlighting Bangladesh as an example of communal harmony, Prof Yunus expressed hope that Christmas celebrations would further reinforce this bond. He encouraged Christians to contribute to realizing the dream of a New Bangladesh, inspired by patriotism and humanitarian ideals. He extended his wishes for peace, prosperity, and well-being to all, including the Christian community.