Sumon Corraya

Bhante Ucha Hla is responsible for land seizures. According to local sources, he has ties to Myanmar. His victims include the Archdiocese of Chattogram and 300 poor children hosted in two Church hostels.

The celebrations began with people praying in mosques and continued with visits to relatives, a special meal and offerings to the poor. A meal is offered to the poor in hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the disabled. The bishop of Sylhet cites the declaration on human brotherhood as an example of solidarity among religious groups.

The country has no specific child protection laws. Activists and Church leaders met to develop a policy that could serve as a model for Christian organisations as well as wider society. NGO World Vision reports that 82 per cent of all children in the country are abused. For a nun, the lack of proper food and leisure time are “a form of violence".

A priest made a formal complaint against Henry Sawpon for insulting Christianity. According to the plaintiff, the poet has made defamatory comments since 2015, which could spark a row with the Muslim majority. As a poet, Henry Sawpon could be our pride,” says Christian leader.

The government carried out inspection of dozens of agencies across the country. Thirty-seven Bangladeshis died off the Tunisian coast. For the country’s Foreign Minister, migrants were trafficked from a Middle Eastern country.

The intimidation stems from a complaint he made against the politician. According to the priest, Abul Kalam Azad is involved in his brother Ovidio’s death. Fr Samson Marandy wrote to the prime minister, the Home Affair minister and other officials asking for justice.

Police boost their presence near Christian places of worship. Security forces give advice on how to recognise dangers. The country’s prime minister calls for high alert.

Although the problem is growing, few victims complain. In April three students were killed and seven raped. For one school principal, "The problem is due to mixed classes.” For another, “girls are unruly.” A consultant slams immoral teachers.

The protesters wore a black bandage on their mouth. The purpose of the protest is to show that the population does not support any attack on places of worship, be they churches or mosques.

The priest was ordained in 1965. He served in the dioceses of Mymensingh and Dhaka. In 54 years of priesthood he has baptized 2,500 Christians. In "a single ceremony, 900 tribals welcomed Christ". His advice to young priests: "Prepare your sermons and visit families more".

Some radical Muslim groups do not tolerate the presence of Christians in the area. Those who abandon Islam live under constant threats. Some parishioners go to Mass wearing the burqa, to confound extremists. After being attacked and hospitalised, a young Catholic hid in a church for a month.

Fr Dominic Monto Hasda is PIME’s first tribal priest. For the past three years he has been on mission in Papua New Guinea, in charge of the protection of minors, education, evangelisation, and teaching the Christian faith, especially to young people.