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Published : 25 Dec 2025, 12:43 PM
The Christian community in Bangladesh is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, offering prayers for the elimination of unrest and the arrival of a new era of peace and prosperity amidst a backdrop of lingering anxieties and concerns.
While the main festivities are held on Thursday, celebrations began on Christmas Eve.
Homes have been adorned with luminous stars, miniature Christmas trees, baubles, and fairy lights. The day commenced with morning prayers, the exchange of greetings, and the sharing of traditional cakes and pitha.
The capital’s luxury hotels and restaurants have also organised special events, featuring illuminated trees and festive decor. In several locations, a white-bearded Father Christmas appeared with sacks of gifts for children, while major shopping centres have also been decorated for the occasion.
Thursday has been declared a public holiday to mark Christmas Day. Extending his well-wishes to the public at St Mary’s Cathedral in Dhaka’s Kakrail, Father Albert Rosario said: "May life be filled with grace and be complete in love."
During the liturgy, he prayed, "O Lord, restore peace across the entire world. We await your return."
In a poignant moment of intercession, devotee Chandramoni Tripura prayed for those unable to attend: "We pray that those who could not leave their homes for church due to illness are not deprived of the peace and love of Christmas. May everyone receive the gift of love in their hearts, and may every day of the coming year be defined by affection and harmony."
The festival marks the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem. According to Christian belief, God sent Jesus to earth to preach the divine glory and to lead humanity toward the paths of truth and justice.
Beyond St Mary’s Cathedral, churches such as Holy Rosary in Tejgaon and St Christina’s in Mohammadpur have been elaborately adorned. Alongside the traditional trees and lights, symbolic nativity scenes depicting the birth of Christ have been installed, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the surrounding neighbourhoods.
At St Mary’s Cathedral, people of all ages braved the winter morning to participate in the mass. Father Rosario told the congregation, "We are celebrating the birth of Jesus. Love for one another is the true essence of Christmas."
Speaking to bdnews24.com about this year’s atmosphere, he said: "We are celebrating the day in a highly festive environment with a large turnout. On this day, no one stays home; everyone comes to the church to exchange greetings and receive blessings.
"This year is particularly joyous as it marks a jubilee year – the 2,025th birth anniversary of Jesus. Although there were some anxieties due to recent events, as you have seen in the news, we are celebrating Christmas safely, without hindrance, and with great joy."
Father Hubert Walter of St Mary’s Cathedral offered a reflection on the human condition: "In every religion, there are good people and there are those who do wrong. This is the nature of the world. But the message from heaven across all faiths is that we should walk the path of beauty and peace, serving and helping others."
Devotees from across the country shared their sentiments. Sukriti, who travelled from Kalmakanda in Mymensingh, said: "May the message of Jesus Christ's birth reach every human being on earth. Greetings to all."
Parbati Ruram, visiting from Golapbagh, added, "May joy and love spread through everyone's hearts on this birthday of Jesus. Merry Christmas to everyone."
Silvi Tigiti said, "May everyone’s life be filled with joy and happiness through the blessings of Jesus. May he dispel the darkness and bring the light of new hope."
