Christian communities across the country and around the world celebrated Christmas Day on Thursday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ with religious fervour and festivity.
Special prayers were offered at churches illuminated for the occasion, while makeshift Christmas trees were set up at homes, churches and mission centres nationwide to observe Christmas, the largest religious festival of the Christian community.
Elderly members of the community, dressed in Santa Claus outfits, shared moments of joy with children and distributed gifts as part of a universal Christian tradition.
Marking the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin hosted a reception for members of the Christian community at Bangabhaban.
The President exchanged greetings with leaders and representatives of the Christian community.
President flanked with the guests also cut a “Merry Christmas” cake while a cultural troupe performed Christmas carols.
Prominent Christian dignitaries, ambassadors, high commissioners of various countries and representatives of international organisations attended the reception.
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.
People in the Madhupur region of Tangail district celebrated the day with enthusiasm through various events.
The main celebration took place at the Jalchhatra Christ Dharmapalli Church in Madhupur, where Church President Pastor Nirjan Sim Song highlighted the life and humanitarian ideals of Jesus Christ.
Addressing the gathering, local religious leader Samnom Nakret urged the Christian community to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by practising mutual love, compassion and peaceful coexistence.
After congregational prayers, devotees performed hymns and group music in praise of Jesus.
Traditional pitha festivals were also organised in several villages, including Mominpur, Jalchhatra, Idilpur, Pirgachha, Sainamari and Dharati in Madhupur.
In Bandarban, the largest religious festival of the Christian community officially began with a special prayer at 12:01am on 25 December.
A joint prayer was organised at the Baptist Church and Fatima Rani Dharmapalli Catholic Church in the Bandarban district headquarters from Thursday morning.
A festive atmosphere prevailed in churches across Bandarban, highlighting a unique example of communal harmony and coexistence.
Besides, the day was also celebrated in different districts, including Sherpur, Barguna, Natore, Rajshahi, Jhenaidah and Rangamati.
Religious leaders highlighted the teachings of Jesus Christ, saying that He came into the world to free humanity from sin and darkness and to guide people towards the path of light and salvation.
Leaders of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust also thanked the interim government for granting Tk2.5 crore to the trust on the occasion of Christmas. They said the grant is being distributed in three phases among 800 churches across the country.
