Sumon Corraya

Aronno Chiran, 43, received the Swadhinata Purashkar 2024 for his commitment to endangered tribal cultures. A life dedicated to social activism, which now sees him working as the coordinator of the NGO Sara (Social Association for Rural Advancement). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina: 'Honour those who contribute to the welfare of others'.

The cargo ship, which was sailing from Maputo to Dubai, was diverted to Somali territorial waters. An Indian Navy ship that intercepted the hijacked vessel is monitoring the situation. The Bangladesh government pledged to rescue the sailors. Another Bangladeshi ship was seized in 2010, and its crew held in captivity for 100 days.

More than 100 people in need have already been helped through an initiative in which Catholics work with many Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. For Caritas Bangladesh executive director Sebastian Rozario, this “is a somewhat unique project, precisely because it is supported entirely by local donors,” with a “hand outstretched not out of their abundance but out of their daily necessities”.

Her organisation, Banchte Shekha ('Learn to Survive') helps those who are abused by their husbands. In the course of her life, Angela Gomes, originally from the Mathbari parish in Gazipur, has, however, also had to face many challenges: "They have given me more strength to be a voice for those who do not have one.

Singer and writer, she comes from the Hasnabad parish of Dhaka. She was chosen along with 50 other women to fill the pink quotas in the new parliament, following the elections on 7 January. She told AsiaNews: "I will apply Christian teachings and values".

The flames spread from a crowded restaurant: at least 44 people were killed. The fire brigade also rescued many people who had lost consciousness due to smoke that had spread through the seven-storey building.

Pope Francis appointed Fr Subroto Boniface Gomes, the current parish priest of Tejgaon, to work alongside Archbishop Bejoy Nicephorus D'Cruze. Ordained a priest on 16 April 1990, the new prelate will fill a post that became vacant in 2021.

At least 106 Burmese paramilitary border guards fled to Bangladesh in one day due to clashes caused by the 1027 offensive in Myanmar. Shots fired on the border by the army resulted in the death of two civilians, including a Rohingya refugee. Dhaka protest with the Myanmar ambassador.

The missionary institute is run by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. For three days, meetings and activities were held with students and the Christian community. About 90 per cent of the student body is made up of non-Christians. For Archbishop Kevin Randall, Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, “One can see the [college’s] effects in civil society in Bangladesh”.

Since November 2013, the Bangladesh government has officially recognised the transgender community by admitting them on identity documents as a third gender in addition to male and female. However, the inclusion of the issue of inclusion in school education is also causing debate. The case of a teacher who was fired for blatantly tearing out the pages of a book is provoking demonstrations supported by Islamic fundamentalists.

For the World Economic Forum, energy shortages are the top risk among five that threaten the country's economy. Gas shortages make cooking harder, leading to greater distress in people. Manufacturing is also affected. Without quick action, production could see a major drop.

Observers expect an uncontested victory for Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, after the opposition decided to boycott the poll. Religious minorities, particularly Hindus, have complained about threats, while Christians are throwing their support behind the ruling Awami League.