William Gomes

The PIME missionary arrived in Dhaka in 2005. In his parish they operate a shelter for the poor and an elementary school. They are places of encounter and dialogue with the Muslim majority population, but also "a school of prayer and love for the parishioners."

The relatives of the young woman, who lives in the United States, speak of a "wrong" choice and demand an end to bullying. The woman risks a fatwa for apostasy, her husband seeks a divorce. Solidarity from Catholics activists who denounce the violation of religious freedom.

Now out on bail, the chef at the Castel Inn was initially arrested for allegedly possessing illegal alcoholic beverages. He spend two weeks in prison in a cell built for 20 inmates but housing around 240. Now local Catholics are waiting for the trial, demanding justice.

In reality the manager of the prestigious restaurant in the capital wanted to fire the cook to give his job to a relative. Human rights activists ask for justice and promise legal assistance.

More than half a million people have been displaced with most living in the open or in boats. Not enough food and medicines have reached those in need whilst water sources have been contaminated. Diarrhoea is reaching epidemics proportions.

Their father’s first wife demanded a sum of money and a piece of land. The target of the attack was the boy’s mother; on not finding here the women and her brother attacked the children. In ten years Bangladesh has seen 2200 acid attacks.

The woman was punished for filing a paternity claim after her son was born out of wedlock. Village judges say they imposed punishment in accordance with Qur’anic tenets. Human rights activists describe the affair as another “example of social discrimination” and call for greater protection for women.

Her name is Hosne Ara Begum and she has been in the police force since 1981. Human rights activist Khushi Kabir: A very important fact for a chauvinist and Islamic society such as Bangladesh.

In a meeting yesterday in Dhaka, dozens of Islamic imams and Christian pastors and bishops reaffirmed dialogue as the only means for living together. The remarks of participants, in a country that has been the theater of many extremist attacks.

Three intimidating letters have been sent to UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the Islamic equivalent of the Red Cross. Some observers see this as a response to the UN's promise to help the government set up a court to try Islamic fundamentalists for war crimes.

On the occasion of Benedict XVI's birthday, representatives of various religions in Bangladesh pledge their prayers "for his life and ministry." The venerable Dhirbangsha Bikkhu, a Buddhist monk: "we want to see the pope in our midst, his presence will bring peace and happiness to the nation."

More than 300,000 faithful participated in Sunday Mass in the capital and in the five dioceses of the country. During the entire Triduum, the police monitored the churches 24 hours a day out of fear of attacks.