Chief Adviser Yunus Exchanges Christmas Greetings with Christian Leaders

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus exchanged Christmas greetings with representatives of the Christian community on Wednesday at the state guest house Jamuna, reaffirming the interim government’s commitment to religious harmony and democratic progress.

Among those present were Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain, Bejoy N D’Cruze, the principal leader of Catholic Christians in Bangladesh, Philip P Adhikari, president of the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh, Benedict Alo D’Rozario, and Christopher Adhikari, along with other senior Christian leaders.

During the discussion, Christian leaders highlighted Yunus’s global reputation and his role in improving the country’s economic and overall situation. They expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be held in a free, fair, and peaceful manner under his leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Bejoy N D’Cruze described Jesus Christ as a universal figure, saying Christmas celebrations worldwide are inspired by Christ’s ideals of forgiveness and service to humanity. He added that following the July mass uprising, people had placed their trust in Yunus to help rebuild the nation and voiced hope that his efforts would succeed through an orderly election process.

Extending Christmas and New Year greetings, Yunus said religious leaders serve as a reflection of society and play a vital role in guiding communities. He said the government is working to build a healthy society and noted that the July Charter was prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising.

Yunus announced that a referendum would be held alongside the parliamentary election, after which parliament would undertake reform measures in line with the people’s verdict. He also urged religious leaders to help raise public awareness about the election and referendum.

At the event, leaders of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust thanked the interim government for a Tk 2.5 crore grant provided on the occasion of Christmas, saying the funds are being distributed in phases among 800 churches nationwide. The program concluded with Yunus cutting a cake with Christian community representatives to mark Christmas.