The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Christmas Day, the greatest religious festival of the Christian community, was celebrated across the country as elsewhere in the world with due religious enthusiasm.

On the Christmas Day Jesus Christ was born over 2,000 years ago to free human beings from all types of sins.

All churches were tastefully decorated and Christmas trees illuminated as members of the Christian community celebrated the festival from Monday night.

President Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed and Chief of the Christian community in Bangladesh and Archbishop of Dhaka Paulinus Costa gave separate messages and felicitated the Christian community on the occasion of the Christmas Day.

Prof Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and his wife Prof Dr Anwara Begum exchanged greetings with members of the Christian community at Bangabhaban on the occasion of the Christmas Day.

Assistant Archbishop Theotonius Gomez, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats including Charge D' Affaires of Vatican City to Bangladesh Rev Kurian Matthew Vayalunkal, distinguished persons of the Christian community, religious leaders and professionals attended the reception.

President's Military Secretary Maj Gen Aminul Karim, Secretary to the President's office Sirajul Islam, Religious Affairs Secretary Ataur Rahman and Press Secretary to the President Abdul Awal Howlader were also present on the occasion.

To celebrate the Christmas Day, prayers were held at Tejgaon Church at 6:30am, 8:00am and 9:00am yesterday.

In Kakrail Church, prayers were held at 7:30am and 10:30am yesterday. Special prayers were also offered yesterday seeking the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

Special prayers were held in all the Christian churches across the country to commemorate the recent cyclone SIDR affected people and urging all to make their efforts to uphold the tradition of standing beside the affected people for their welfare.

Children and juveniles organised cultural functions in the churches to celebrate the day. Distribution of Christmas cakes, gifts and exchange of greetings were other features of the occasion.

The government had taken adequate security measures to avert possible attempts by the vested quarters to jeopardise the celebration.

To celebrate the day all rated hotels including Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Hotel Sonargaon Pan Pacific, Hotel Westin Dhaka organised lavish Christmas parties at their respective hotels.

During the Christmas carnival children party including Christmas tree and maze, Christmas carol musical chair and performance of Santaclause also held in those venues. Therefore, special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch and dinner were also arranged there.