Sumon Corraya

PIME missionary targeted in Dinajpur gun attack

A memorial jubilee was held in Jessore in the presence of the Bishop and the faithful. Three Italian nuns founded the religious organisation in the Asian country. Now it includes 21 convents and 109 consecrated nuns. The Sisters of Charity work with the poorest sections of society, especially in the garment industry where women are exploited.

A group of Muslims attempted to burn an entire Christian family, accused of witchcraft. A victim: "We lost everything, we live in absolute poverty. If we do not withdraw the complaint the consequences will be worse". In recent weeks many attacks on Christian-owned properties: the real intent is land expropriation.

The priest, 76, composed more than 100 sacred songs in the Bengali language used every day in parishes across the country. He taught at the seminary and translated all the texts of the Second Vatican Council. Priests and faithful deeply moved: "He gave his all for the faith, may he rest in the arms of the Lord."

Msgr. Gervas Rozario denounces the assassination of publisher Dipan and wounding of another publisher and three bloggers. Intellectuals are targeted by Islamic fundamentalists for their democratic ideas. So far in 2015 four bloggers have been murdered and many fled abroad. Bishop: "If we are not careful, enlightened and aware of human values, we cannot stop the rise in violence."

Faisal Arefin Dipan was 45 years old and was the editor of Jagriti Prokashani. He was stabbed in his office. The three other intellectuals were attacked by a group of thugs. A publisher threatened with the message "Prepare to die!" Because he published books by writers "atheists". Activists on strike against government.

On October 9 and 10 the Annual Inter College Science Festival 2015 was held. The 13th edition of the Science Fair that was hosted by the Holy Cross College in Dhaka. 16 high schools present. Showcasing projects in physics, chemistry, biology, renewable energy and recycling. Students compete in mathematics, physics, computer science.

A police raid this morning led to the capture of three alleged perpetrators and the owner of the motorcycle used by the killers. The killer, known as Boro Bhai (Big Brother), is still being hunted. According to police, the men acted for money, paid by organizations that want to destabilize the government.

Last week a mob of about 100 Muslims seized a Christian-owned home in Dhaka. Now they want to do the same to neighbouring properties. Local Christian community leaders want a solution, but the Muslim land grabbers refuse. “We have lived here for 300 years. We want to live in peace where we were born,” said displaced Christian.

Terrorist group sends e-mail to media outlets, telling them to stop violating Islamic law, which does not allow women to work outside the home. “Our directives will be the law for you from today;” otherwise, “your heads will roll”.

The attackers wanted money in exchange for the house. They threatened to kill the residents. Christian activist: "Grave injustice to the Christian community. In Bangladesh we are a weak minority and this is why Muslims are attacking us. "

Recent reports by the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation indicate that 41 per cent of young people do not work, do not study and do not train. The situation is even worse for young women. Absence of quality education and skills is the main reason. Many firms have to hire foreigners. Unemployment and crime are closely linked.