Dhaka: The Christmas Day commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated today with religious fervor and festivity across the country as elsewhere in the world. On the holy day, churches in the capital were illuminated while Christmas trees were set up and candles were lit at abodes and churches by the Christian community to celebrate the event amid religious fervor.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, following the tradition, Santa Claus distributed sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion. This was a significant day for children in the Christian community as they received interesting gifts. Carolers sang Christmas carols praising Jesus Christ and God. Elderly people of the community, attired with the outfit of Santa Claus, usually had fun with children and distributed gifts among kids as part of a universal Christian practice. The Christmas Day was a public holiday.
In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended their greetings to the Christian community on the occasion. They wished peace, welfare, and prosperity for all citizens of the country, including members of the Christian community. President Shahabuddin, in his message, said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, where people of all faiths freely practice their religions and rituals. He urged all to further strengthen this communal harmony and join the journey of building a modern and developed Bangladesh. The President wished for peace, prosperity, and well-being of all members of the Christian community.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, in his message, said, Jesus came into the world with the message of peace, justice, and the liberation of humanity. Mentioning Bangladesh as a shining example of communal harmony, Prof Yunus expressed hope that the celebration of Christmas with due dignity and enthusiasm would further strengthen this bond of harmony. The Chief Adviser called upon all Christians to come forward, inspired by patriotism and the great ideals of humanity, to help realize the dream of a new Bangladesh. He wished peace, prosperity, and well-being to all, including the Christian community.
Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his spouse Dr. Rebeka Sultana today hosted a reception for members of the Christian community at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. The President exchanged greetings with the leaders and representatives of the Christian community joining the reception at 12 noon. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain was present. President flanked with the guests and cut a “Merry Christmas” cake while a cultural troupe performed Christmas carols. Archbishop Bejoy Nicephorus D’Cruze, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rozario, Father Albert Rozario, Reverend Martha Das, foreign diplomats and representatives of various foreign missions, distinguished members of the Christian community joined the reception. Senior officials of Bangabhaban were present.
Christmas Day was also celebrated across the country including district towns and cities amid religious programs of the community. Marking the festival, the national dailies published special articles highlighting the importance of Christmas. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private radio stations and TV channels aired special programs marking the festival. Tight security measures were taken across the country for peaceful celebrations of the Christmas.