Sumon Corraya

The chairman of the Bangladesh Election Commission has announced the schedule for the upcoming parliamentary election. The deadline for nominations is 29 December with the final list published on 21 January. Excluded from the vote, the Awami League slams the commission as “illegal”. John Gomes (BNP) hopes the vote will be “free and fair”. The election is a test for the country's future.

The celebration in Dhaka of the Jubilee Day of Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali-language service also provided participants, including some Muslims, with an opportunity to share stories of how, in a country like Bangladesh, this media outlet helps people’s human and spiritual growth, beyond religious barriers. “Every religion inspires us to uphold truth,” said Bishop Romen Boraigi.

Between the fall of 2024 and 2025, 1,891 new HIV infections were recorded. The rise in the Rohingya camps of Cox's Bazar is "worrying". Only one specialised hospital exists in the country, and it is on the verge of being overwhelmed. Shortages of kits and staff, and social stigma hinder prevention and treatment. Experts are calling for more funding, sex education, and greater awareness.

A Christian entrepreneur was forced to close her online business due to threats and offensive comments. A story shared by many others in the country, it goes beyond verbal abuse. According to the CSWC, 76 per cent of victims of online violence are women. Among the most vulnerable groups are female students, with the spread of deepfake images aimed at humiliating them.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the area around the capital of Bangladesh this morning. The victims were hit by falling debris from buildings as they walked along the street. Panic and injuries were also reported in textile factories and university buildings. Bishops' Conference: no damage to churches. Experts warn: ‘The country is in a seismic zone, building safety codes must be enforced’.

A court in Dhaka convicted the former prime minister of "crimes against humanity" for her role in the crackdown of student protests in July 2024. As a result, the capital was placed under lockdown, while clashes and protests erupted across the city. From her Indian exile, Hasina slammed the verdict as “politically motivated”, while her son Sajeeb Wazed threatened to boycott the upcoming February elections unless the ban on the Awami League is lifted.

Tension is high in the capital of Bangladesh and other areas, with violence targeting vehicles and public spaces during the days of protests called by the Awami League against Yunus's ‘illegal government’. There have been about twenty attacks as of last night, with patrols and roadblocks. The leaders of the party excluded from the elections deny any involvement and speak of a government manoeuvre to discredit it. Offices and schools are closed today.

Two improvised explosive devices were thrown at the country's main Catholic cathedral; one landed inside but did not explode. Police have opened an investigation, but the motive behind the attack is still unknown. The attack came on the eve of an important meeting with approximately 600 worshippers. Worshippers and residents living near the cathedral are very concerned.

The decision not to recruit music and phys ed teachers comes in for harsh criticism. For a choir director, it “is like removing a part of our humanity.” Human Rights Forum Bangladesh urges politicians to resist “unreasonable demands." Youth protests at the capital's university. Student told AsiaNews that “an entire generation” is “at risk of cultural impoverishment.”

The prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on a five-day pastoral visit to the country. In Narayanganj, he shared a meal with 600 displaced Christians. One of them said: ‘He testified that we can turn to God despite the difficulties.’ Meetings with the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar, street children and leaders of other religions are planned.

A group of Christian community leaders met with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - widely favoured with the exclusion of the Awami League - calling for inclusive and fair lists. Secretary Alamgir reassures them about a ‘non-sectarian’ country and reforms to protect minorities. Civil society calls for reserved seats for indigenous communities and gender parity. The European Union pledges €4 million for a transparent democratic process.

The national pass rate has fallen to 58.83%, the lowest in 21 years. Over half a million students failed, while 77,000 fewer than last year achieved the highest marks (GPA-5). Scholars and educators are questioning the reasons for the crisis. Catholic schools are spared, although they too have recorded a (minimal) decline in results.