The Christian community celebrated Christmas Day in the country as elsewhere across the world today, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christian community, is the celebration of rebirth, new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationship with God and human beings.

Christian community people offering special prayers on the occasion of the Christmas Day on Monday, December 25, 2017. Photo: Prabir Das

Decoration of Christmas trees with colourful lights, special prayers and distribution of gifts among children and exchange of pleasantries are the main features of the day's festivities.

Christmas carols and hymns were sung before and after the prayer sessions at the churches.

President Abdul Hamid exchanged greetings with members of the Christian community at Bangabhaban on the occasion.

At that time, the President called upon all to play an effective role from their respective positions in upholding the country's glorious tradition of communal harmony and brightening it further.

Cardinal of Bangladesh Patrick D' Rozario, ambassadors and representatives from different foreign missions, distinguished persons of the Christian community, religious leaders and professionals joined the reception.

A group of singers performed the Christmas carol at the reception.

Children celebrating their Christmas Day with a Santa Claus at Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka on Monday, December 25, 2017. Prabir Das

Later, President Hamid cut a Christmas cake with members of the Christian community.

Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar and different private TV channels and radio stations aired special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.