Sumon Corraya

Strong winds and heavy rain hit the coastal districts. Regional Caritas offices activate 246 emergency plans already in place for such situations. Thousands of people have been saved, many others appeal to government for aid. Aid from administration slow in coming.

The Christian Religious Welfare Trust has organized a seminar for priests and pastors. Simultaneously, the Bangladesh Islamic Foundation will take charge of forming imams. The Dhaka authorities want to promote dialogue among religious, in order to curb Islamic extremism.

The young woman is 26 years old and teaches at Majibnagor Amrokanon High school in the diocese of Khulna. She went to a nearby town for a public exam for teachers. The headmaster and his friend raped her in a hotel room and then threatened to post the video of the rape on Facebook.

The 77-year-old politician died at Mumbai’s Holy Family Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment. Dhaka’s archbishop visited the family. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chose him twice as Social Welfare minister.

Motiur Rahman Nizami was executed yesterday. The leader of the largest Islamic party in the country refused to seek a presidential pardon, thus conceding his crimes. He was accused of committing genocide, rape and murder in the conflict for liberation from Pakistan in 1971. The Islamic party has called a general strike; the body of the deceased buried in his native village.

The 24th edition of a creative writing workshop ended today, organised by the Bangladesh Catholic Students Movement along with the Bishops’ Conference. Some 35 students followed courses taught by professionals in literature and publishing. For organisers, these youths will play “an important role in the life of the country” and the Church.

Xulhaz Mannan and Tonoy Majumder were hacked to death with machetes. Six men raided the apartment of Xulhaz and also wounded the building’s security guard. The US official had founded the first newspaper that deals with the rights of the LGBT community in the country. In Bangladesh homosexual relations are illegal.

Rezaul Karim Siddique taught at Rajshahi University. Known and liked by the local community, he participated in local cultural activities. His wife said he had no enemies. For anonymous journalist, undoubtedly "He was killed for his poems." The attack’s modus operandi is the same used in killing other bloggers and liberal thinkers.

Today the archdiocese celebrates the installment of Msgr. Shorot Francis Gomes, appointed by Pope Francis in February. The bishop comes from a Catholic family, where the example of their parents' faith led the three children to embark on the journey of consecration. He will offer the local Church his experience with families and the formation of priests.

The weekly Pratibeshi celebrated its 75th anniversary on 1 April at a ceremony attended by 6 bishops, 50 priests and 3,000 faithful readers. Founded in 1941, the paper today has a circulation of 10,000. Its readership includes Muslims and Hindus who like it because it talks about religious harmony and respect for all human beings.

Yesterday, Bangladesh celebrated the New Year of 1423. Celebrated with songs, music and dances, ‘Pahela Baishakh’ is the most popular secular festivity in the country. Even churches held special services. Sheikh Hasina condemned recent episodes of Islamic extremism, but also warned bloggers against making “offensive statements against the faith”.

A group of 20 Hindus held a press conference in the capital to appeal to the prime minister. Land grabbers seize land from minorities. If the victims protest, their lives are threatened and women are in danger of rape.