DHAKA: Christian community across the country celebrated the holy Christmas on Thursday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ amid festivity and religious fervor.

Christians offered special prayers, illuminate churches, decorate Christmas trees at homes and places of worship and missions.

Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and private television channels aired special programs while newspapers and online news portals published special articles highlighting the spirit of the day.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, greeted the Christians community of the country on the eve of the day and called for upholding the tradition of religious harmony in the country.

“Jesus Christ was one of the greatest men who appeared in different ages to preach the greatness of the Almighty creator and led human being towards the path of truth, justice, peace and mutual harmony,” said the President in a message.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, urged people irrespective of caste, creed and color to come forward to expedite the development activities of the country.

“The goal of Jesus Christ was to establish justice and peace in the world while his entire life was dedicated to bringing a sense of relief in human lives,” she said.

Relatively elder people of the community being attired in the outfit of Santa Claus made fun with children and distributed gifts as part of a universal Christian practice.

BDST: 2129 HRS, DEC 25, 2014