Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus exchanged Christmas greetings with leaders of the Christian community at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.
During the meeting, representatives of the Christian community conveyed their goodwill to the Chief Adviser on the occasion of Christmas.
Those present included Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh Bijoy N D’Cruze, National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh President Bishop Philip P Adhikari, Trustee of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust Dr Benedict Alo D’Rozario, National Council of Churches in Bangladesh President Christopher Adhikari, along with other prominent Christian leaders, said a press release from the CA office.
In their remarks, Christian leaders highlighted Professor Yunus’s international reputation and his role in improving the country’s economy and overall situation.
They expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be held in a free and fair manner under his leadership.
Archbishop Bijoy N D’Cruze, describing Jesus Christ as a universal figure, said the ideals of forgiveness and service to humanity continue to inspire millions of people around the world, including in Bangladesh, as Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm this year.
Extending Christmas greetings to the Chief Adviser, he said that following the July mass uprising, people had placed their trust in Professor Yunus to help rebuild the country, a responsibility he has been carrying out with dedication.
He added that prayers were being offered for the success of his efforts through a peaceful and credible election.
The Chief Adviser, in his address, extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all present. He said religious leaders reflect the state of society and help indicate whether things are on the right path.
Emphasising the goal of building a healthy society, he said the July Charter had been prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising, and that the country would take another step forward through a referendum on the charter.
He noted that the forthcoming election would be held alongside a referendum, and that future reform initiatives would be undertaken by parliament in line with the people’s verdict.
The Chief Adviser also called on religious leaders to play a role in raising public awareness about the election and the referendum.
Leaders of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust thanked the interim government for allocating Tk 2.5 crore as a Christmas grant. They said the funds were being distributed in three phases among 800 churches across the country.
The programme concluded with the Chief Adviser cutting a Christmas cake together with representatives of the Christian community.
Meanwhile, the Christian community in the country will celebrate Christmas on Thursday, joining believers around the world in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas, the most significant religious festival for Christians, symbolises rebirth, new beginnings, forgiveness and peace, as well as the renewal of relationships with God and with one another.
The day will be marked by the decoration of Christmas trees with colourful lights, special prayer services, the distribution of gifts among children and the exchange of greetings.
Churches will resonate with Christmas carols and hymns, sung before and after prayer sessions as part of the festivities.
