» 12/30/2009 12:20 BANGLADESH Christmas under armed protection for the Christians of Bangladesh by William Gomes To prevent attacks of Muslims during the celebrations of Christmas, the government deploys more than 12 thousand policemen to guard the churches. Archbishop of Dhaka: "Christians alarmed by the growing climate of violence." Fear does not stop charity. Over 50 thousand euros donated by Christians for the poor of all faiths.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - More than 12 thousand policemen and soldiers were deployed in recent days to guard churches and places of worship. The goal is to prevent possible attacks by Islamic extremists and allow the celebrations of the Christmas period. "Christians feel threatened and can not pray in peace - says Bishop, Paulinus Costa, Archbishop of Dhaka - as the police are guarding the churchyard the faithful pray in the fear of new attacks." "We have no enemies - continues the archbishop - and we are not enemies of anyone."
For the prelate Muslims are brothers. He asks Christians to pray for them, especially around Christmas, which must be a feast that is open to all peoples. "The climate of insecurity - he adds - and the presence of armed guards in the churchyard, stops us from sharing with others the joy of Christmas, which is then limited to Christians."
In Bangladesh the percentage of Muslims exceeds 85% while the Christians are a small minority, less than 0.7%. The presence in the country over 64 thousand Koranic schools and about 100 Islamic parties, makes the Christians an easy target for extremists. Violence against religious minorities often aims to deprive families and entire villages of their property. For fear of retaliation, most cases go unreported. The police rarely intervene to help minorities and leave perpetrators unpunished. (See AsiaNews 2/10/09 "Catholic university student attacked by Muslim extremists in a public park in Dhaka).
Despite the fear, in the various parishes of the population has donated over 50 thousand euros for the poor Muslims and those of other religions.
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