Sumon Corraya

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.

They are part of the extremist organization Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). In 2005, militants have carried out a series of attacks, including one against the Bar Association of Gazipur. Declared illegal, the group wants to introduce Sharia law in the country.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) wins 60% of the vote in Sylhet, Barisal, Khulna and Rajshahi. Heavy defeat for the ruling party, the Awami League. Victory thanks to support of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Islamic party for months fomenting violence across the country.

Roni is the assistant mechanic because "at home we had nothing to eat." Poverty is the main reason that 7.4 million children are forced to work. 80% domestic workers, of which 17% suffer abuse and torture.

The Bishops' Conference and the Major Seminary celebrated 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Fundamental documents emerged from the Council for the growth of the Catholic community.