The Christian community across Bangladesh is celebrating Easter Sunday today (April 5) with traditional religious fervor, joining millions worldwide in observing the most significant festival on the Christian calendar.

Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event which, according to the New Testament, occurred on the third day following his crucifixion.

The day marks a season of hope and renewal for the faithful, characterized by special prayers and congregational hymns.

In a gesture of national harmony, leaders of the Protestant Church met with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

During the meeting, the delegation exchanged Easter greetings with the Prime Minister, who expressed his well-wishes to the Christian community for the festive occasion.

Meanwhile, in Vatican City, the global observance is marked by a historic milestone as Pope Leo XIV presides over his first Easter Sunday as pontiff.

However, the atmosphere remains somber as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact the international community.

The US-born Pope, who has become a prominent global advocate for peace and a vocal critic of the war, is scheduled to lead the Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square starting at 08:30 GMT.

Thousands of pilgrims have gathered in the square to hear the Pope’s "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, which is expected to address the humanitarian crisis and call for an end to regional hostilities.