Sumon Corraya

Ovidio Marandy, an ethnic Santhal, died last Saturday in Gobindoganj (northern Bangladesh). He had organised a demonstration in his village after Islamic extremists had set it on fire to punish Christians for voting in the 5 January election.

The Islamic extremists wanted to punish the community of the Diocese of Mymensigh who, despite the threats, went to the polls for the general election. The brother of Bishop Paul Ponen Kubi among the victims. The local Caritas gives medical and legal assistance to the assaulted .

The country's religious minorities deserted the polls following threats from Islamists. The election results saw the ruling party win, but the opposition boycotted the poll. Police failed to protect voters. At least 25 people died in factional clashes.

Christians, Hindus and Buddhists speak of nationalists threats not to go to the polls . The opposition led by Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party ( BNP) began a new 48-hour strike today. The aim is to disrupt the parliamentary elections tomorrow and unleash chaos in the country. Polling stations and vehicles set on fire in Dhaka, Dinajpur and Feni .

Unusual cold snap hits poorest in Northern districts: Caritas and Society of St. Vincent de ' Paul launch a collection of warm clothes to donate to the needy. Hospitals and clinics full, but temperatures continues to drop .

Called Sheep of Heaven, the choir releases its sixth album 'Kuashar Chadur' ("Mantle of Fog"). All original songs are performed with modern instruments.

After Islamic fundamentalists attack minority Hindus, Christians live in fear. The country's political cleavages could lead the country into a new phase of violence and instability. According to a local NGO, 433 people have been killed in political clashes since the start of the year with thousands more injured.

Pakistan adopts a resolution against Bangladesh, criticising the execution of a leader of the Islamic fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami party. In Dhaka, peaceful protesters try to reach the Pakistani Embassy. Islamabad is accused of not moving away "from its 1971 policy".

With Supreme Court confirmation, Abdul Quader Mollah, leader of the Islamic party (Jamaat-e- Islami) was hanged in the prison of Dhaka for the crimes committed during the 1971 war . His remains were handed over to the family for funeral rites. Meanwhile , his supporters attack the Hindu community .

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh organised the event, which was held on Sunday across the country. The day brought to a close a month-long programme of teaching and studying the Sacred Scripture that began on 8 November. For Khulma bishop, "The sacred texts help to know the Creator and discover the truth."

Mgr Gervas Rozario, bishop of the Diocese of Rajshahi, told AsiaNews that "the killing of innocent civilians is intolerable" and that "people want peace." For this reason, he has called on the government and the opposition to find ways to communicate. Since January this year, 347 people have died in political unrest.

They are John Gomes ( Nationalist Party ) , lawyer , Raymond Areng ( Socialist Party ) , Professor ; Promod Mankin ( Socialist Party ) , a lawyer . Their goal is to bring the voice of the Christian minority to Parliament.