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Christmas celebrated

UNB, Dhaka
Members of the Christian community in the country celebrated the holy Christmas yesterday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ amid festivity and religious fervour.
Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, is a celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with God and human beings.
The celebrations started on the eve of the day with singing of carols at public places like lobbies, restaurants and lounges.
Christians offered special prayers, illuminated churches, decorated Christmas trees at homes and places of worship and missions while Santa Claus gave Christmas gifts to the children.
The day was a public holiday.
President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia greeted members of the Christian community on
FROM PAGE 5 the occasion.
Pointing out the role of the Christian community in the field of education and social development in the country, the president urged all to work together to build Bangladesh as a happy, prosperous and non-communal country.
He made the call while taking to reporters at a
reception for the members of Christian community at Bangabhaban.
President's wife Rashida Khanom was present at the reception.
Archbishop of Bangladesh, ambassadors and representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of Christian community, religious leaders, and profes-
sionals joined the reception.
A group of young singers rendered the Christmas carol at the reception.
Later, Abdul Hamid along with the members of the Christian community cut a Christmas cake.
Railways and Religious Affairs Minister Mujibul Hoque and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promode Mankin were also present.