Sumon Corraya

Incident at an oxygen production plant, devastated an area within a kilometre radius. Just nine months ago, another fire at a warehouse not far away. Poor safety measures are blamed. Sr. Zita Rema: 'Factory owners should be concerned first and foremost for the lives of the workers.'

Telugu speakers were brought to Dhaka by the British in the 19th century from Andhra Pradesh to work as sanitation workers, which they still do. But in Bangladesh they have always been marginalised. A few days ago, the Dhaka South City Corporation began tearing down their homes and settlement deemed “illegal”. Two Evangelical churches were also demolished.

This year’s edition of the Ekusha Boi Mela (21-28 February) at the Bangla Academy includes Christian stands. Some Muslim visitors have had negative comments, while others have taken the opportunity to buy the Bible and learn about the life of Jesus. Members of the Bangladesh Christian Writers Forum are present.

Last year 532 young people took their own lives, a gradual increase from 101 in 2021 and 42 in 2020. Causes include unfulfilled family expectations, mental or economic problems, conflict and depression, but there is no shortage of teacher abuse and sexual assault. April the peak month according to Anchal Foundation data.

Celebrating 50 years of priesthood, the Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka has summarized in an English-language volume his view of the essence and life of a Christian community in the local context. Ministeriality, the relationship between religious and laity, but also the legacy of Pope Francis' visitation among the themes at the center of the reflection.

Last year more than 50 young people went missing from different areas of the country, at least seven were from Comilla, south-east of Dhaka. One, Al Amin, a student who wanted to return home, was ambushed and killed by another militia group. The government has policies to counter radicalism.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army is targeting opponents in refugee camps with increasingly unscrupulous actions. Local farmers are also targeted and abducted for ransom. According to Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies, 123 people have been killed and 207 kidnapped over the past five years.

Local Caritas distributed 1,800 blankets to those most in need. Thousands of children hospitalized for frost-related pneumonia. In January, although it is the coldest month, there is usually an average temperature of 26 degrees, with drops as low as 12 degrees at night.

The premier's meeting with the tiny community in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. "Jesus Christ taught us to do the good of man. Every person has the same rights". Dhaka Archbishop Bejoy N. Cruze: "We pray that he may lead the country properly".

To mark the anniversary, a new video by a Muslim filmmaker reconstructs the forgotten story of 15 Christian girls who took part in the conflict with Pakistan in 1971. Tushi Hagidok, now 67: "Love for our country drove us".

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused of rigging the last elections. In recent days, police have weighed in by storming party headquarters and arresting hundreds of protesters. At least seven activists have been killed by security forces since September.

Scripture Sunday was celebrated on the second Sunday of Advent, in all parishes. The theme of this year's edition: "Lead a life according to the Bible". Bishop Rozario: "In its pages the living message of God that guides us through our days".