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 this 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.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Santa Claus distributed sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion, making it a significant day for children in the Christian community as they received interesting gifts. Carolers sang Christmas carols praising Jesus Christ and God, adding to the festive atmosphere. Elderly people of the community, dressed as Santa Claus, engaged with children and distributed gifts as part of a universal Christian practice.
The Christmas Day was observed as a public holiday. In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus extended their greetings to the Christian c
ommunity. They wished peace, welfare, and prosperity for all citizens of the country, including members of the Christian community. President Shahabuddin emphasized Bangladesh’s communal harmony, urging further strengthening of this unity and participation in the journey toward a modern and developed Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus highlighted Jesus’s message of peace, justice, and humanity’s liberation. He noted Bangladesh as an example of communal harmony and expressed hope that Christmas celebrations would further strengthen this bond. The Chief Adviser encouraged Christians to contribute to the realization of a new Bangladesh, inspired by patriotism and the ideals of humanity.
Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and his spouse Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception for members of the Christian community at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. The President exchanged greetings with Christian leaders and representatives, cut a “Merry Christmas” cake, and enjoyed performances of Ch
ristmas carols by a cultural troupe. 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 joined the reception.
Christmas Day was also celebrated across the country, including district towns and cities, with various religious programs. National dailies published special articles highlighting the importance of Christmas, while Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private radio and TV stations aired special programs for the festival. Tight security measures were implemented nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas.