Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the interim government is working to build a healthy and inclusive society, adding that the July Charter has been prepared to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising.
“You are the mirror of society. By looking at you, we can understand whether everything is in order,” Prof Yunus said while exchanging Christmas greetings with representatives of the Christian community at the State Guest House Jamuna, which is currently serving as the Chief Adviser’s official residence.
Wishing the Christian community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, he said that along with the upcoming parliamentary election, a national referendum would also be held.
He noted that the referendum on the July Charter would move the country one step forward, adding that the next parliament would adopt reform measures based on the people’s verdict expressed through the referendum.
Prof Yunus also called upon religious leaders to play an active role in raising public awareness about the forthcoming election and the referendum.
Among those present were Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain; Archbishop of Catholic Christians in Bangladesh Bejoy N D’Cruze; President of the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh Bishop Philip P Adhikary; Trustee of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust Dr Benedict Alo D’Rozario; President of the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh Christopher Adhikari; and other prominent Christian leaders.
Christian leaders highlighted Prof Yunus’s global reputation and his role in improving the country’s economic and overall situation. They expressed hope that the upcoming parliamentary election would be free, fair, and peaceful under his leadership, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
Archbishop Bejoy N D’Cruze described Jesus Christ as a universal figure and said that inspired by Christ’s ideals of forgiveness and service to humanity, millions of people around the world, including in Bangladesh, are celebrating Christmas with joy and enthusiasm.
Extending Christmas greetings to the Chief Adviser, he said, “After the July mass uprising, the people have placed their trust in you to rebuild Bangladesh anew. You are carrying out that responsibility with great dedication. We pray that your efforts will succeed through a beautiful and peaceful election.”
Leaders of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust also thanked the interim government for allocating Tk 2.5 crore to the trust on the occasion of Christmas. They said the grant is being distributed in three phases among 800 churches across the country.
Later, Prof Yunus cut a cake with representatives of the Christian community to mark the Christmas celebration.
