Sumon Francis Gomes

Processions, brass bands, fairs and shows marked the beginning of the year 1420, according to the Bengali calendar, despite continuing strikes and violence supported by the Islamic party.

The activists face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 10 million taka (100 thousand euro). Protests of the Shahbag secular movement: "It is a violation of freedom of speech and an insult to democracy." In the country a blasphemy law does not (yet) exist.

Mgr Patrick D'Rozario, archbishop of Dhaka, makes an appeal for peace to the Catholic community. "The current political situation and the ongoing violence and extremism show us death as a cruel reality." The suffering of the people of Bangladesh is like Christ's pain.

The young man, 31, will be baptized during the Easter Vigil and become Catholic. From an Islamic family, he encountered Christianity thanks to his future wife. "I pray to the Lord that all Christians in Bangladesh can live in peace and harmony with others."

Some Catholics pray for Pope Francis, hoping he might soon visit Bangladesh. His "simple and loving" way of life, "of respect for others", is an important sign. Every word or deed "raises our spirits, pushing us to live like Jesus."

The 19th head of state has died after a long illness at the age of 84 years. A man "above all parties and opinions," was part of crucial moments in the recent history of Bangladesh: from independence in 1971 to the emergency government in 2007 to steer the country toward democratic and transparent elections.

Violence continues after the death sentence is imposed on the leader of an Islamic party convicted of war crimes. Homes and temples have been destroyed in various parts of the country.

People of different origins and social backgrounds rally together, reading passages from the sacred texts of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami supporters continue their rampage, accusing peaceful demonstrators of blasphemy.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Dhaka want the death penalty for members of the Islamic party involved in massacres, torture and rape during the War of Independence (1971). Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami supporters wreck havoc in the city.

Benedict XVI is an "example for all". His resignation left Catholics stunned, but they followed the news with moments of intense prayer. "God will continue to guide and bless the Church to overcome all kinds of difficulties," Dhaka archbishop said.

Graduates (from all religious backgrounds) from Catholic missionary schools score highest in tests. For Dhaka Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Costa, only a “sound education based on Christian values” can help “this country grow and improve”.

The congregation founded by Sister Euphrasie Barbier runs orphanages, schools, women's shelters and sanatoriums in seven districts of the country. Archbishop of Dhaka: "Educated women are of benefit to the entire society."