Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Thursday extended Christmas greetings to members of the Christian community during a gathering at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
The event was attended by Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Bejoy N D’Cruze, Bishop Philip P Adhikary, Benedict Alo D’Rozario, Christopher Adhikari, and several other distinguished Christian leaders, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The Christian representatives praised Yunus’s international standing and acknowledged his contributions to strengthening Bangladesh’s economy and overall progress. They also voiced optimism that the forthcoming national election would be conducted freely and fairly under his stewardship.
Archbishop Bejoy N D’Cruze, in his speech, emphasized the universality of Jesus Christ and noted that millions worldwide, including in Bangladesh, are celebrating Christmas with joy and devotion, inspired by Christ’s teachings of forgiveness and service to humanity.
Extending Christmas greetings to the chief adviser, Archbishop N D’Cruze said, “Following the July mass uprising, the people have placed their trust in you to rebuild Bangladesh. You have carried out this responsibility with great dedication, and we pray that your efforts will culminate in a peaceful and beautiful election.”
Yunus, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, said, “You are the reflection of society. By looking at you, we can understand whether everything is in order.”
The chief adviser added, “Our goal is to build a healthy society. That is why the July Charter was prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising. Through a referendum on this charter, the nation will take another step forward.” He further noted that, along with the parliamentary election, a referendum will also be held this time.
He also urged the religious leaders to play a role in raising public awareness about the upcoming election and referendum.
Leaders of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust thanked the interim government especially for granting Tk2.5 crore to the trust on the occasion of Christmas. According to them, the grant is being distributed in three phases among 800 churches across the country.
Later, the chief adviser cut a cake together with representatives of the Christian community, marking Christmas.
