Sumon Corraya

A 59-year-old native of Rajshahi, he was called by Pope Francis to lead the youngest of Bangladesh's dioceses. His words to the faithful, "I come to a new reality for me: I will listen to you and care for you."

The Catholic community in Raishahi has not forgotten the PIME missionary who was shot to death by bandits on 14 August 1972 at a time when he was helping war refugees returning from India. His legacy includes the St Joseph’s School and College he had founded in Bonpara together with Fr Verdelli, which today has more than 2,000 students.

Transport costs and food prices are up. The poorest are giving up meat and fish. Study shows that more than two million people have dropped below the poverty line. Protests are held at gas stations.

With a solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Oblate missionaries of Mary Immaculate (OMI) marked the start of their 50th year in the country. Two bishops, several priests, and about 500 worshippers attended the service. Today OMI priests number 31 in three dioceses and seven parishes. Their contribution is especially significant in education.

Bangladeshi authorities released official census data. Out of a population of 160.51 million, Muslims are now 91.04 per cent. Hindus drop significantly. Christians are 0.30 per cent. For a minority activist, emigration and attacks in recent years are to blame for the negative trend.

The Santal and other Indigenous communities gathered in front of Bangladesh’s parliament to celebrate the election of a fellow Santal. The oppressed “tribal peoples of Bangladesh and India will find inspiration” in her election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is asked to invite her to visit the country as soon as possible.

The government has decided to impose power cuts for at least one hour a day to reduce fuel costs. The possibility of closing petrol stations is also under consideration. But experts warn measures could result in an increase in demand.

Patrash Soren, from the Diocese of Dinajpur, still goes from village to village to preach the Gospel and prepare others for their baptism. Among the tribal people, “There is a great opportunity to touch the hearts of non-Christians”, many of whom “love our way of life, our culture, and Christ’s teachings," Soren explains.

Shamsun Nahar Hall set aside space for Christian, Buddhist and Hindu female students. Now other universities and student halls are expected to do the same. Many are happy with this “huge achievement”. The new prayer room contains images of Christ, Buddha and Hindu deities.

A missionary of the Immaculate, she is going back to Italy for medical treatment but the country that welcomed her remains in her heart. Her pastoral service was first and foremost for the women at the needlework centre in Gopalpur. She travelled around on her motorbike to preach the Gospel.

In recent days a teacher was bludgeoned to death, while the principal of a school was evacuated by police and forced to resign for his own safety. A dozen pupils have begun a hunger strike in solidarity. Catholic teacher: "We demand exemplary punishment."

Construction took almost seven years with 14,000 workers. The government fully financed the project, carried out by Chinese firms. Thanks to the infrastructure, the GDP of the southern regions is expected to increase by more than 2 per cent.