Sumon Corraya

In the north of the country, many tribal catechumens received the sacrament during the rites of Holy Week. “In the past, I loved nature, the sun and the trees,” said one, “but now I can address Jesus directly.” For another, “A Christian’s life is simple,” and Christians “love others.”

Fewer people went to church. The installation of the new the Archbishop of Chattogram, Mgr Lawrence Subrato Howlader has been postponed. Weddings too have been delayed; in one case, 400 people had been invited.

On Holy Thursday, the Church in Bangladesh also celebrates the day of priests with the faithful paying tribute to them. Father Emanuel Gomes is the first priest from Bangladesh to join the Third Secular Order. He lives a happy life serving the “people of God”. But priests can only live their mission to the full with prayers and support of the laity.

Demonstrations against the Indian premier’s participation in celebrations for the 50th anniversary of independence and the centenary of the birth of Mujibur Rahman. Islamists accuse him of persecution of Muslims in India. Modi: "Collaboration between our two countries is fundamental for the development of South Asia."

The fire devastated five camps in which 40 thousand refugees lived, 300 homes of the local Bengali population also affected. The flames, which broke out yesterday afternoon, have not yet been completely extinguished. The refugees assisted by Caritas Bangladesh are in turn helping those who have lost everything.

Christians, Buddhists and Hindus held a rally to protest against an attack by Muslim radicals against the Hindu community in Sunamganj District. The mob desecrated a temple. One minority leader lamented the fact that “the police and local authorities were silent” on the day the country celebrated 50 years of independence and the creation of a secular state.

Bangladesh celebrated the 101st anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth. Christians also held a solemn liturgy in honour of the “friend of Bengal”. Independence Day will be celebrated in a few days’ time. Pope Francis is expected to send a video message while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit.

A new surge in coronavirus cases and deaths hits the country with 9.48 per cent positive tests yesterday. The mortality rate is back to the level of early January. The Health Minister wants to crack down on people who do not wear masks. Schools are set to reopen on 30 March.

Two arrested militants have confessed to taking part in organising trans people by teaching them the Qurʼān. The campaign is promoted by the same groups that attack scientific communicators, bloggers and journalists. COVID-19 fundraisers have also become a means of Islamist propaganda.

In Bangladesh, many women work with the Church full-time, visiting remote villages to proclaim the Gospel and prepare adults and children for baptism. “As a Santal I can speak to them in my language and reach deep into their hearts,” said a 40-year-old Santal widow. “I'd like to continue my whole life as a catechist.”

Christians prepare for Easter in a Muslim-majority country. “From my sincere service people recognise that I am Christian,” says one Christian. Lent offerings fund new church construction for new Christians in remote areas.

Forest Department officials tore down a Seventh-day Adventist church in Bandarban district for lack of construction permit. Extremists attacked another Protestant church in northern Bangladesh because of the presence of new Christians. For the Bangladesh Christian Association, everyone should be guaranteed the right to practise their own religion and justice should be done.