Staff Reporter :
The nation will celebrate Christmas Day today (Wednesday) marking the birth of Jesus Christ, the first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader.
In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus extended their warm greetings to the Christian community on this joyous occasion.
They highlighted that Bangladesh is a beacon of communal harmony, where people of all faiths are free to practice their religions.
Christians in Bangladesh and worldwide will celebrate the day with fervour and devotion.
The celebrations will include special prayers, the decoration of churches with lights, and the setting up of Christmas trees at homes, churches, and mission centres across the country.
In keeping with tradition, senior members of the community will dress as Santa Claus to bring joy to children by distributing gifts and spreading cheer. Christmas Day is observed as a public holiday.
President Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Yunus, in their messages, wished peace, prosperity, and well-being to all citizens, including the Christian community.
At noon on Wednesday, President Shahabuddin will host a reception for members of the Christian community at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban. The reception will begin at 12 p.m., as confirmed by the President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam.
In his message, the President emphasised Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, where people of all faiths have lived together in mutual respect and peace.
He urged everyone to unite in building a prosperous, inclusive, and non-communal nation.
Chief Adviser Professor Yunus expressed hope that Christmas would further strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and understanding between the Christian community and others in the country.
He remarked that, for centuries, people of all religions and communities in Bangladesh have coexisted in harmony, with the freedom to practice their respective faiths.
Extending his greetings to the nation, particularly the Christian community, the Chief Adviser wished peace, welfare, and prosperity for all.
On this holy day, churches in the capital and across the nation will be adorned with lights, candles will be lit, and Christmas trees will be installed in homes and places of worship.
Traditional festivities will include Santa Claus distributing sweets and gifts to children in churches.
Special articles highlighting the significance of Christmas will be featured in national newspapers, and Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private radio and television channels will broadcast special programmes to mark the occasion.
