United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called for collective efforts to ensure the rights and dignity of the Christian community and build an inclusive Bangladesh. “We do not want division and communalism in the name of religion. We never want authoritarianism and fascism to return,” he said, calling for a social movement to this end. The President made the remarks when a 25-member delegation, led by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka Subrata B Gomes, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon. He said Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens and everyone is equal here. “It is very important to ensure that no citizen is deprived or discriminated against because of their religious identity,” he said. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the President on various issues concerning the Christian community and sought his cooperation in addressing them.  

Members of Bangladesh’s Christian community formed a human chain in the capital on Tuesday, demanding a one-day public holiday on Easter Sunday, a significant religious festival for Christians in Bangladesh. Leaders and members of the Christian community, under the banner of the Bangladesh Christian Association, formed the human chain in front of the National Press Club at 11 am. Priests and representatives of Christian organisations also participated. Speakers said Easter, the most significant day in the Christian calendar, continues to fall on a regular working day in Bangladesh. As a result, many are forced to manage religious observance alongside work commitments. President exchanges greetings with Christian community leaders   

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has sought cooperation from all to maintain religious harmony in the country, ignoring the identity of minority and majority. He made the call while exchanging greetings with representatives of the Christian community at the State Guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka marking Christmas Day on Tuesday. "I am very glad to meet you all today. We seek religious harmony. We don’t want words like minority and majority. In this country, we are one family, and our dream is to live together as one. To make this dream a reality, everyone must come forward," he said. "We are all humans alike, and our identity as human beings should come before our religion. Every religion carries a message of peace. We must internalise that message of peace within ourselves. Only then will divisions be eliminated. If we can establish the message of peace within our hearts, we will find that peace in all religions, and there will be no divisions. Our children will have a beautiful childhood," he continued. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the event, among others, attended by, Archbishop Vejoy N. D'Cruze, head of the Catholic Christian community in Bangladesh, Bishop Bejoy N D'Cruze, the head of the Catholic Christians of Bangladesh; Bishop Philip P. Adhikary, Chairman of National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh; President of Bangladesh Christian Association Nirmal Rosario; Ignatius Hemant Corraya, secretary general of the Bangladesh Christian Association; and Daniel Nirmal D'Costa, President of Bangladesh Christian Mohajote. Assuring full cooperation, the Christian leaders expressed hope that under the leadership of the Chief Adviser, Bangladesh would foster generosity, communal harmony, and inclusivity. Addressing the event, Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze referred to the life, ideals, and message of peace of Jesus Christ. He said, "The people’s mass uprising in Bangladesh has opened doors to new possibilities. Professor Yunus has taken on the difficult responsibility of leading the country. You are knowledgeable, honest, and a trusted figure for all in Bangladesh.” Read: Necessary security measures taken for Christmas: DMP The Christian leaders also thanked the interim government for the donation of Tk 2.5 crore to the Christian Religious Welfare Trust on the occasion of Christmas. This grant has been distributed to churches across the country.  

The Christian community is celebrating Christmas in the country, as elsewhere across the world, this morning amid festivities and enthusiasm. Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christians, is annually celebrated all over the world on the 25th of December — commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time when family, friends and relatives get together to celebrate the day with colourful lights and Christmas trees decorated at homes. Read more: Law enforcers ready to face any situation over Christmas: IGP

For the Christian community in Bangladesh, Christmas is a magical time of goodwill and giving back. People want to celebrate the day as much as possible, with family, community and joy.

The Christian community is celebrating the Christmas Day in the country, as elsewhere across the world, on Wednesday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christian community is set to celebrate the Christmas Day in the country, as elsewhere across the world, on Wednesday, to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.