Nozrul Islam

In its eighth edition, Br Lucio Beninati's initiative has brought together as volunteers Muslims, Hindus and Christians on a day dedicated to homeless children and youth. The festival involves a variety of activities, including sharing meals but also medical checkups for kids in poor health. Although "unruly", the latter "know they are loved".

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) calls for a three-day strike, resulting in clashes with police and government supporters. The BNP wants a caretaker government to prepare the country for new parliamentary elections (January 2014), but the prime minister is opposed. This could favour the possible rise of an Islamist party.

According to Action Aid, 94 per cent of survivors have not yet received compensation. Their physical and psychological rehabilitation is the biggest problem, with 63 per cent reporting physical injuries like amputations, paralysis and severe pain. Some individual and private initiatives have been commendable, but a global plan is missing, partly because of phony unions.

Only nine out of 28 international brands attend Geneva meeting aimed at creating a compensation fund for victims of the collapse of two garment factories. A local source told AsiaNews that "the situation is much more complex" because of unreliable unions and local mafias. "Signs of change" among Bangladeshi businessmen are visible, which "the authorities must help."

Growing popularity of the Islamic party (Jamaat-e-Islami) with extremist groups, such as Hefajat-e-Islam, whose leader has issued statements against women during Ramadan. The group wants a constitution based on Sharia, the eradication of minorities and separation between the sexes.

The war crimes tribunal rules Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, secretary general of the Islamist party, guilty of torture and mass murder. Supporters invoke nationwide strikes. Local source tells AsiaNews: "These political struggles are harmful to the population, the people are not in favour of extremism."

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party sweeps the latest municipal elections thanks to the support of the Jamaat-e-Islami, whose anti-atheist propaganda against the ruling Awami League proves crucial.

The vice president of Jamaat-e-Islami stood accused of torture and mass murder committed during the War of Liberation of 1971. "The ongoing violence and extremism in the name of religion are killing peace and harmony in Bangladesh," the archbishop of Dhaka said in a message to the country's Catholics.

Thousands of Hefajat-e-Islam supporters blocked and isolated the capital, attacking police with machetes, bricks and stones. The police responded with tear gas, water cannons, stun grenades and rubber bullets.

Benedict Alo D'Rozario, executive director of Caritas, expresses "comfort and gratitude" for the words of Francis, who termed the work of those who died in the building collapse "slave labor". Since April 24 Caritas provides medicines, food, water and psychological assistance to the victims' families. "Everyone knows the situation of these factories - he explains - but we must begin to ask what we can and should do to ensure the dignity and rights of every human being."

The two multi-nationals admit their responsibility after the collapse of the building and call on other western chains involved to do the same. Meanwhile, the police arrested Mohammed Sohel Rana, owner of the building: he is accused of negligence, threats to employees and building permit violations. Rana Plaza was built on a former bog.

Mahbubur Rahman Tapas and Blazul Samad Adnan forced their employees to work, even if the building had been declared unfit for use. The death toll rises to 323. 15 people found alive, but hundreds are still missing. At least 10 thousand workers take to the streets demanding greater safety measures. On Twitter pope Francis makes a plea for the victims.