William Gomes

Barnard Howlader established in 2007, the NGO Freedom From Addiction In Trusted Home (Faith).Treatments successful in 100% of cases. Founder: "I was a drug addict, Jesus on the cross healed me."

Sister Zita belongs to the Order of Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate. She has helped thousands of Catholics from the Garo tribe who have moved to Dhaka in search of jobs, often ending in the clutches of unscrupulous Muslim employers who persecute and torture them. Together with Caritas Bangladesh and the Church, she has founded the Garo Community Centre, where tribal Garo can learn new trades and find help searching jobs.

For years Sunil Gomes had suffered pressure from Muslim neighbours. In 2009 they shot at his home and confiscated part of his garden. His older sister is terrified: "No one defends us because we are Catholics. Muslims can attack at any moment".

At least 700,000 people beg in the capital alone. Many are forced, some even mutilated to increase their value. The government is set to invest US$ 2,000,000 in a rehabilitation programme that is expected to provide education, jobs and shelter.

In the predominantly Muslim country, mixed marriages often fail over financial problems and religious differences. Fr Shorot Francis Gomes, a member of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, has been helping couples since 2005 to understand the sacrament and mystery of the calling of Jesus within their union.

March takes place during a 24-hour general strike called by the BNP to protest bad government by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It is the first time since 2007. A former foreign minister is among the arrested.

The archbishop of the capital Mgr. Paulinus Costa underlines the enormous importance "for us all” of the year that has just ended. Fr. Emil Moraes says he gave it all up to receive in return “5 thousand children."

Bangladesh Nationalist Party-backed candidate gets 480,000 votes and wins the election. Police and BNP activists clash, with 30 people hurt. National strike against ruling party set for 27 June.

Students come to study in the capital from various dioceses around the country. In 2008, the seminar attracted 60 participants. Now the goal is to extend it to the whole capital.

The government lifts ban on social network, which it blocked on 29 May, following the removal of Muhammad cartoons. Press freedom is in a critical state in the country. Police and secret services shut down national newspaper Daily Amar Desh, jailing editor, publisher and a few journalists.

On the orders of Sheikh Hasina, on June 6 flags will be lowered to half mast and special prayers will be recited in all places of worship for the fire on June 3, which has already caused over 120 deaths. But there are fears that could rise to 300.

Street protests are organised against Facebook and YouTube, accused of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad. The government blocks Facebook in response to threats from Islamic parties.