Christians in Bangladesh are set to celebrate their largest festival Christmas on Wednesday (Dec 25) to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
To celebrate the day, churches in Bangladesh have been illuminated, Christmas trees set up and candles lit at homes and churches along with the nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus in the manger.
Christmas Masses will be hosted on the Christmas Eve at the Churches on Tuesday (Dec 24). Hotels around Dhaka also organized special progammes.
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued Christmas messages on the occasion.
Hamid called upon all to consolidate the long-standing tradition of religious harmony in the country irrespective of religion, caste and position.
“Jesus taught the path of love for people, forgiveness, affection, compassion, how to establish justice and peaceful coexistence in the society,” he said.
Prime Minister Hasina called upon the people irrespective of religion, caste and creed to come forward to expedite the development activities in the country and its people being imbued with mankind.
“One of the goals of Jesus Christ was to establish justice and peace in the world ... Jesus had sacrificed himself for the endangered and hungry people and he remains immortal in the human history for his noble way of life and unique character,” she said.
She called upon all to work together, maintain the bondage of communal harmony to build a hunger-free prosperous Bangladesh dreamt by Bangabandhu.

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 According to the tradition, Santa Clause will distribute sweets and gifts among children in churches on the Christmas morning. This is a ‘great day’ for children in the Christian community, who sing carols on the occasion in praise of Jesus Christ and God, and exchange gifts.

The national dailies will publish special articles highlighting the importance of the Christmas.


Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private radio stations and TV channels will air special programmes marking the festival.
FOOLPROOF SECURITY
Tight security measures have been clampdown across Bangladesh for peaceful and smooth celebration of Christmas, reports BSS.
“Law enforcement agencies have been told to remain alert and ensure all possible security to ensure the peaceful and smooth celebration of the Christmas tomorrow [Wednesday],” said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said, “Archways will be installed in each of the churches in the DMP areas and everyone will have to go through a search before entering the churches.”
“Uninterrupted power supply will be ensured in the areas of at each of the churches to ensure foolproof security,” he added.
The minister said volunteers will also be deployed for cooperating law enforcement agencies, adding, “Use of firecrackers and carrying bags, trolley bags and backpacks will be completely prohibited.”
Kamal said the government would not allow troublemakers during the Christmas celebrations, adding “Stern actions will be taken if anyone tries to create anarchy.”
Apart from the forces of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the Rapid Action Battalion has been also deployed at different key points of the capital as well as all church areas to ensure security, he said.

PHOTO: Sazzad Hossain