Though there was no threat from Islamist militants, the programmes have been changed and shortened against the backdrop of bomb blasts in different areas of the country by militants.

There are about 21,000 indigenous Chriatians in Pirgachha and Jalchhatra areas in Modhupur upazila. There are 19 churches in Jalchhatra and 27 in Pirgachha.

Father Subrata, Chief Priest at Jalchhatra Mission said changes all programmes earlier held at night have been cancelled.

The programmes scheduled for 12 noon on December 25 started at 4 pm yesterday. "The programmes will conclude before sunset. But prayer and religious sons at houses will continue ti night," he told this correspondent.

Father Homeric, Chief Priest at Pirgachha Mission said the programmes scheduled for 12 noon tomorrow were rescheduled for 8 pm yesterday and will conclude within one hour.

When contacted, the Officer-in-Charge of Modhupur thana Aminul Islam told this correspondent from Jalchhatra over cell phone that full security has been ensured in the Christian areas and a large number of law enforcers includingt Rab (Rapid Action Battalion) personnel have been deployed.

Christian community people are holding their programmes in a befitting way. "I am now in Jalchhatra. The programmes that began here at 4 pm concluded peacefully amid great enthusiasm", he said over cell phone.