Sumon Corraya

For some Islamist clerics, milk banks are contrary to Islam because people who drink the same woman's milk cannot marry together. Some 30 children per thousand die from malnutrition in Bangladesh.

One hundred children, mostly Muslims, took part in the revels. At the end of the ceremony a big cake was cut for "Jesus's birthday". For many children, it was the first time they saw a cake. It was "wonderful” to participate.

The British-born physiotherapist founded the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed. She arrived in the country in 1969. She started without even a wheelchair, seeing the helplessness of the sick. the 100-bed hospital she established now treats 400 patients a year. Over the years, up to 80,000 people received some treatment. Many built a new life after being rejected by their families and society.

Bishop Gervas Rozario calls on the faithful to prepare themselves in spirit and body to welcome the coming of Christ. Advent is a “time of waiting and confession". He urges Catholics in tribal communities to celebrate with neighbours in accordance with their own culture.

The incident occurred in the capital's Holey Artisan Bakery Café in 2016 leaving scores of people dead, including many Italians. The accused shouted “Allahu Akbar” when the sentence was read. Death sentences are carried out by hanging.

The training facility for seminarians has 82 young people engaged in discernment. The Holy Cross congregation arrived in Bangladesh in 1953 before independence. The first missionaries came from Europe, the United States and Canada.

Ethnic Garos celebrated Wangala, a traditional animist festival, even though they converted to Christianity and now give thanks to Jesus Christ, who came “for our salvation”. For Catholic MP, the Garo must take care of their customs and traditions or “one day they will be gone.”

The American missionary, founder of the first Christian cooperative credit bank in the country, died in a car accident in 1988. His intuition to provide small bank loans changed the lives of 10 million poor people. A Foundation that bears his name has been set up to conduct market research and provide scholarships.

Between January and August 2019, at least 850 female workers managed to escape from Saudi Arabia. Between 2016 and 2019, the bodies 311 women were repatriated to Bangladesh. Nazma’s story is typical: killed for rebelling against being raped.

Bangladesh has more than 88,000 prison inmates against a maximum capacity of 40,000. About 175 are Christians, including 40 foreigners. The prison ministry of the Justice and Peace Commission first met yesterday.

Dora D’Rozario combines the charisma of chastity to her skills as a catechism teacher and preacher at retreats. There are 11 consecrated virgins in the country. “I received my virtues from God for free,” she noted, “and I freely give them to others. I do not ask to be paid in my work as guide, catechist, preacher in retreats. I receive unlimited pleasure from giving myself.”

The village is part of the Bhutahara parish, which is led by a PIME missionary. For local priest, “to win the hearts of the population, we teach the Bible; we live, pray and eat together.” Local woman says: “From this moment we will preach Jesus, instead of so many gods and goddesses.”