BSS-45 DAY-CHRISTMAS-TOMORROW-SECOND-LAST-DHAKA

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ZCZC

BSS-45

DAY-CHRISTMAS-TOMORROW-SECOND-LAST-DHAKA

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, called upon the
people irrespective of religion, caste and creed to unite for building
a hunger-and-poverty-free and happy-prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla (Golden
Bangladesh)’, being imbued with spirit of the Great Liberation War.

The premier said the COVID-19 infection has currently made the
whole world very upset with the World Health Organization (WHO)
calling the outbreak as a pandemic.

In this context, she urged everyone to celebrate Christmas this
time by maintaining health rules, including the social distancing.

“Let’s pray that the Great Creator makes free our country as well
as the nation from this lethal disease,” the prime minister added.

Noting that religion belongs to the respective individual while
festivals are for all, Hasina mentioned that “In our constitution,
equal rights of people of all religions and castes have been ensured .
. . We jointly fought to make Bangladesh an Independent state and
religion is a safe haven for all people here.”

Sheikh Hasina said Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem on this day
and one of his vows was to establish a society, free from exploitation
by establishing justice and peace in the world.

The great Jesus, she mentioned, scarified himself for the poor and
starving people while his ideal lifestyle and strict characteristic
remains still immortal in the human history.

Greeting the countrymen, specially the Christians, on the occasion,
the head of the government wished for peace, welfare and prosperity of
all citizens.

In separate message, leader of the Opposition in the Jatiya Sangsad
Begum Rowshan Ershad extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations
to the country people, especially the Christians on the occasion.

She said the air of peace would spread in the lives of all people
across the globe by forgetting communalism, violence and
discrimination in the society.

“This religious festival will build solidarity among people of all
faiths and strengthen the bondage of the world brotherhood,” the
opposition leader hoped.

On the holy day, churches in the capital will be illuminated,
Christmas trees set up and candles lit at homes and churches by the
Christian community to celebrate the event amid religious fervour.

According to the tradition, Santa Clause will distribute sweets and
gifts among children in churches on the occasion. 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.

BSS/ASG/SIR/MRU/2013hrs