Desk Report: Christmas Day, the birthday of Jesus Christ, will be celebrated in Bangladesh and across the globe on Monday.

The Christians in Bangladesh and elsewhere across will celebrate the day amid festivity and religious fervor.

 They will celebrate the day by offering special prayers, illuminating churches and installing makeshift Christmas trees at homes and places of worship as well as missions across the country.

 Elderly people of the community, attired in the outfit of Santa Claus, usually have fun with children and distribute gifts among kids as part of a universal Christian practice.

 The day is a public holiday.

 In separate messages, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted members of the Christian community on the occasion.

 They wished peace, welfare and prosperity to all citizens, including Christians.

 On the holy day, churches in the capital will be illuminated while Christmas trees will be set up and candles lit at homes and churches by the Christian community to celebrate the event amid religious fervour.

 According to tradition, Santa Claus will distribute sweets and gifts among children in churches on the occasion. This is a 'great day' for children in the Christian community, who sing carols on the occasion in praise of Jesus Christ and God, and exchange gifts.

 The national dailies will publish special articles highlighting the importance of Christmas.

 Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private radio stations and TV channels will air special programmes marking the festival. BSS.

Biniyougbarta/SAM//