Christians in Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the world, are celebrating Christmas on Sunday to commemorate the birth of Christ.
Christmas, the biggest religious festival of the Christians, is the celebration of rebirth, a new beginning, forgiveness and peace, and renewing relationships with God and fellow human beings.
It is a time when family, friends and relatives gather together to celebrate the day with colourful lights and Christmas trees decorated at homes.
Customs of the holiday include gift giving, Christmas music and carolling, viewing a Nativity play, an exchange of Christmas cards, church services, a special meal, and the display of various Christmas decorations.
Christmas carols and hymns will be sung before and after prayer sessions in churches across the country.
As part of overall security arrangements, Rapid Action Battalion personnel, along with officers from other law enforcement agencies, were deployed across the country to respond to emergencies and unforeseen situations during the celebrations.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on Christmas eve.
The president said: “May Christmas bring endless joy and welfare to everyone including the Christian community. May everyone's life be filled with happiness and prosperity.”
The prime minister wished peace, welfare and prosperity to all citizens including the Christian community and called for collective efforts from all to make the country a prosperous, non-communal and peaceful nation.
The president will host a reception at Bangabhaban on the occasion on Sunday evening.
Secretaries, military officials and distinguished persons of the Christian community, religious leaders, and professionals will join the reception.
Later, President Abdul Hamid along with the guests will join a tea party.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, private TV channels and radio stations are scheduled to air special programs highlighting the significance of the day.