Mongla, Dec 25 (V7N) – Marking Christmas, Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam, BNP’s nominated parliamentary candidate for the Bagerhat-03 (Mongla–Rampal) constituency, has sent cakes as gifts to several churches in Mongla as a gesture of goodwill towards the Christian community.

On Wednesday night, cakes were delivered on behalf of Dr Faridul to the main Catholic Church in Shelabunia, Mongla. The gifts were handed over by Md Selim Reza, Joint Convener of the Mongla Municipal Swechchhasebak Dal. He was accompanied by municipal Jubo Dal leader Sarwar Howladar and upazila Chhatra Dal leader Hanif Babu.

Later that night, similar Christmas cakes were delivered to churches in Chila and Malgazi.

In a message, Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam conveyed Christmas greetings and congratulations to Christian believers on behalf of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. He expressed hope that the festival would be observed peacefully and joyfully. He also said that BNP and its affiliated organisations are maintaining special vigilance in various areas to help ensure the safety and smooth celebration of the religious festival.

This year, Christmas prayers and festivities are being held at 39 churches across Mongla. The churches have been decorated with extensive lighting, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, from the evening, Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi visited several churches and exchanged greetings with parish priests and members of the Christian community. She was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Naosina Arif.

Mongla Police Station Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) Manik Chandra Gain said that police have been deployed at the main Shelabunia church, while patrols in other areas have been intensified through beat officers to ensure security during the celebrations.

END/AHS/SMA/