Behind the controversy is a demand from Muslim leaders and movements to revoke the government circular regarding the hiring of music teachers in public primary schools. They call it an "Islamophobic" decision. Civil society groups are up in arms, defending the secular nature of the schools. The clash reflects the deep tensions between those who support Sharia (Islamic law) and those who defend the constitution.

Leo XIV sent a message to the Interreligious Conference on the "Culture of Harmony" held in Dhaka under the auspices of the country’s Bishops’ Conference. He writes: “Where others have sown distrust, we choose trust; where others might foster fear, we strive for understanding; where others view differences as barriers, we recognize them as avenues of mutual enrichment”.

The Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue visited Bangladesh for a week to meet with religious leaders, government officials and members of the community. The President of the Supreme Court called for overcoming religious, gender and racial divisions in order to achieve a peaceful and inclusive society. The cardinal's homily focused on humility and the dangers of pride.

The closure of 72 factories has left 73,000 people unemployed, pushing many young people into drugs and crime. In six months, 1,600 people have been arrested for crimes such as robbery and assault, half of them unemployed. Experts call for action in what was an Awami League stronghold, where some groups are now sowing chaos to destabilise the entire region.

Hundreds of people attended the ordination of Fr Limon Biswas, a PIME missionary like Fr Antonio Marietti, who was the first to speak about Jesus in 1856 in Jessore, a village in the present-day Diocese of Khulna. Now he himself will leave as a missionary for Papua New Guinea. “I hope he will spread the Gospel with dedication and love,” said Bishop Boiragi.

This is done for the first time since 1971, when the country gained independence through war. The agreement, which will last for five years and follows a meeting of senior Pakistani government ministers visiting Bangladesh, reflects a new balance of power following Sheikh Hasina's flight a year ago. In addition to visas, the two countries sign cooperation agreements in education, media, and trade.