Christians in Bangladesh celebrated their biggest religious festival, Christmas, yesterday wishing peace and prosperity in the country.
Like elsewhere in the world, the day was celebrated in Bangladesh commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life for the salvation of mankind.
According to the Christian belief, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born as a man on this day.
As part of the celebration, several sessions of special prayers were held in the churches on the Christmas Eve and yesterday morning across the country. Christmas carols and hymns were sung in musical shows before and after the prayers.
Marking the holy occasion, the churches in the capital and elsewhere in the country were illuminated with colourful lights and festoons as well as decorated Christmas trees.
Glittering stars adorned roofs of houses, symbolising the mythical star that guided the Magi, the three wise men from the east, to the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.
Santa Claus also gave Christmas presents to children. The day was a public holiday.
On the occasion, President Zillur Rahman exchanged greetings with the members of Christian community at a function at Bangabhaban.
Speaking briefly on the occasion, he said Bangladesh is a secular country where people of all faiths have been practicing their respective religions peacefully.
Zillur cut a big cake marking the joyous occasion.
Archbishop of Dhaka Polinus Costa, DD, diplomats of various countries as well as the leaders of the Christian community attended the function.
State Minister for Religious Affairs advocate M Shahjahan Miah, Religious Affairs Secretary and concerned secretaries to the President’s Office were also present, reports UNB.
Hundreds of Christians thronged city churches and hotels, where special arrangements were made to mark the day. The largest Mass was held at the Tejgaon Church where devotees attended several prayer sessions.
The Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Radisson Water Garden Hotel, Dhaka Regency Hotel and Westin Hotel Dhaka organised special events including musical programmes and game shows.
Security in the capital and other parts in the country were strengthened to ensure peaceful celebration of Christmas.
