Dhaka, Dec 24 (V7N)- Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus exchanged Christmas greetings with representatives of the Christian community at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.

During the exchange of greetings, Christian leaders highlighted Professor Yunus’s global reputation and his role in improving Bangladesh’s economic condition and overall situation. They expressed hope that the upcoming national elections would be held fairly and peacefully under his leadership.

In his address, Archbishop Bijoy N. D’Cruz described Jesus Christ as universal, saying that inspired by Christ’s ideals of forgiveness and service to humanity, people in Bangladesh are celebrating Christmas with enthusiasm alongside billions across the world.

Wishing the Chief Adviser a happy Christmas, Archbishop D’Cruz said,
“The people placed their trust in you to rebuild Bangladesh after the July uprising. You are fulfilling that responsibility with dedication. We pray that your efforts will succeed through a beautiful and peaceful election.”

Professor Yunus, in his response, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, saying,
“You are the reflection of society. By looking at you, I can understand whether the society is doing well or not.”

He emphasized the need to build a healthy and inclusive society, stating that the July Charter was prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising. He said Bangladesh would take another step forward through a referendum on the charter.

The Chief Adviser further announced that the referendum will be held alongside the parliamentary elections, after which the newly elected parliament will carry out reforms in line with the people’s verdict.

Calling upon religious leaders, Professor Yunus urged them to play an active role in raising public awareness about the upcoming elections and the referendum.

Christian leaders expressed special gratitude to the interim government for providing Tk 25 million to the Christian Religious Welfare Trust on the occasion of Christmas. They said the funds are being distributed in three phases among 800 churches across the country.

Later, Professor Yunus cut a Christmas cake with representatives of the Christian community.

Among those present were Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Bijoy N. D’Cruz, Bishop Philip P. Adhikari, Trustee of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust Dr Benedict Alo de Rosario, President of the National Church Council Bangladesh Christopher Adhikari, and other prominent leaders of the Christian community.

END/SMA/AJ