25 December is celebrated worldwide as Christmas, the most significant religious festival for Christians.
In Bangladesh, as elsewhere, the day is being observed with solemn religious fervour and various celebrations, centring on prayers held at churches across the country.
Churches have been adorned inside and out with colourful decorations, while the surroundings glow with vivid illuminations.
Christmas trees, sparkling with lights, take centre stage within the premises, alongside nativity scenes and Santa Claus displays.
Adding to the festive ambience, Dhaka's star-rated hotels have set up artificial Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures, complemented by elaborate lighting arrangements.
The festive spirit began on Tuesday evening when churches became vibrant with visitors ranging in age from eight to eighty, all eagerly awaiting Santa Claus and seeking blessings from Jesus Christ for the welfare of the nation and its people.
To mark the occasion, the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus extended Christmas greetings to representatives of the Christian community at the state guest house Jamuna.
Speaking on the occasion, Yunus remarked, "I am delighted to meet with you on this special day. We strive for religious harmony and wish to transcend terms like 'minority' and 'majority.' In this country, we are all one family, united in a shared dream of togetherness. To realise this dream, everyone must come forward."
He further emphasised, "We are humans first, defined by our humanity rather than religion. Each faith carries a message of peace, and by internalising these messages, we can eradicate divisions and offer our children a beautiful, unified future."
In a related development, Chief of Army Staff General Waqar-uz-Zaman inspected the comprehensive security arrangements at Kakrail’s St Mary’s Cathedral Church.
During his visit, he stated, "Communal harmony is a source of pride for our nation. Members of all communities must be able to celebrate their religious festivals peacefully and with enthusiasm. The army, alongside other law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring this."
The General also expressed optimism that members of all communities would extend wholehearted support to their Christian neighbours during Christmas celebrations, fostering peaceful coexistence and working together to build a happy, prosperous, and progressive nation.
At the same event, the country’s Christian religious leader delivered a heartfelt message, urging everyone to unite against all forms of malevolence and strive together for the establishment of peace.
