Sumon Corraya

Kamal Hossain, a prominent lawyer and one of the authors of the country's constitution, spoke at the launch of a book written by Fr Albert Rozario, secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace. Although a minority, the contribution of Christians to the country's education and health systems "is outstanding."

In Dhaka, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian leaders take part in an interfaith seminar to discuss the country's current situation. For Christian professor, an "image of Bangladesh could emerge as that of a moderate Islamic country, where religious and ethnic minorities live in harmony."

New round of elections at year’s end. For analysts and opposition, the climate is too tense, a transitional government is needed to prepare the country to vote. But the prime minister abolished it in 2011. The minority parties threaten to boycott vote.

According to police, Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary general of Odhikar, a well-known NGO, posted false news about the killing of 61 people during a crackdown against Hefajat-e-Islami. Police claim, "No allegations about killings on 5 May were brought to us".

In greetings for the end of Ramadan Msgr. Bejoy N. D'Cruze, President of the Episcopal Commission for Christian unity and interfaith dialogue, reflect on what the two great religions have in common. It is important to "respect all faiths, its teachings and its values."

According to the High Court, the registration of the Jamaat-e-Islami with the Election Commission is illegal because the party is "not secular". Party members protest, claiming they are democratic.

The Bishops' Conference and the Major Seminary hold a seminar to understand how to improve the teaching of Catholic doctrine. According to the prelates only through a major study of the theology can the Church in Bangladesh become more active.

Homosexuality and any kind of union between persons of the same sex is illegal in the country. The young people - aged 16 and 21 year - are runaways. Only once found by the police did they confess to being lesbian, and were arrested.

90 year-old Ghulam Azam sentenced to 90 years in prison for war crimes. The verdict sparks explosions, clashes and scenes of urban warfare all over Bangladesh for national hartal (strikes) organized by supporters of the Jamaat-e-Islami (Islamic Party) and secular activists of Gonojagoron Mancha. Four people die, including a child.

The Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (CCCU) celebrated with a Mass the 58th anniversary since its foundation. The company grants loans to about 50,000 people, while 162,000 use it as a bank for savings.

Just today, 200 employees of the Rose Dresses Ltd were hospitalised after drinking contaminated water. In early June, more than 600 people experienced bouts of vomiting, cramps and fainting.

Mossaddeque Hossain Bulbul, Mayor of Rajshahi: "Catholics play an exemplary job in the education sector and their institutions are excellent centers for the formation of students." The decision was made after a meeting with the local bishop, Msgr. Gervas Rozario.