The Christian community will celebrate Christmas in the country as elsewhere across the world on Thursday, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, is the celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with God and human beings.
The celebrations of the Christmas Day feature decoration of Christmas trees with colourful lights, special prayers, and distribution of gifts among children and exchange of pleasantries.
Christmas carols and hymns will be sung before and after the prayer sessions at the churches.
Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and different private TV channels and radio stations are supposed to air special programmes.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus have issued separate messages on the eve of Christmas.
In his message, President Sahabuddin said learning from the ideals and teachings of Jesus Christ, everyone, regardless of religion or caste, must work together for the welfare of the country and its people.
Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony where people of all religions have been freely observing their own faiths and rituals, he said.
The president urged all to further strengthen the existing communal harmony and join in the march towards building a modern and developed Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said Jesus was always devoted to serving the distressed, neglected, and hungry, and preached the values of forgiveness, love, and devotion until his death.
His life and noble character continue to serve as an enduring example for his devotees and followers, he said.
He said Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony where people have, for generations, maintained peaceful coexistence by respecting different religions, cultures, and rituals.
Prof Yunus expressed hope that celebrating Christmas with due dignity and enthusiasm would further strengthen this bond of harmony.
“The current government is working to build a non-discriminatory, just, and prosperous Bangladesh for all, regardless of religion, caste, or community,” he added.
The chief adviser called upon all Christians to come forward inspired by the great ideals of patriotism and humanity to help realise the dream of a new Bangladesh.
Prof Yunus also extended his heartfelt greetings to all followers of the Christian faith on the occasion of Christmas.
Meanwhile, police have taken special security measures ahead of the celebration of Christmas.
Earlier in a meeting on Dec 17 on security and law and order, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bangladesh Baharul Alam said Christmas is a universal festival and emphasized that the police would remain alert throughout the celebrations.
He expressed hope that with the capabilities of Bangladesh Police, both Christmas and New Year’s Eve would be celebrated in a peaceful environment.
Security will also be heightened in all tourist areas including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata.
Authorities said action would be taken against anyone who honks loudly or drives recklessly on the roads.
People are urged to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or their nearest beat police officer in case of any emergency.
