Dhaka (AsiaNews) - The Catholic minority in Bangladesh is stepping into the political arena to make its contribution to the country : it is in this spirit that three lay people have decided to stand in the forthcoming general elections. They are John Gomes , a lawyer in the district of Natore , Raymond Areng , a professor in the district of Netrakona ; Promod Mankin , a lawyer. A significant move for a nation with a Muslim majority, where the Christian community represents just 0.4 % of more than 160 million people.
Gomes will run in the ranks of the Banlgadesh Nationalist Party (BNP ), the main opposition. "I want to run - he tells AsiaNews - to affirm the existence of Christians in society. I want to give voice to my community ." In addition to his fellow parishioners, many Muslims have expressed their support.
Areng, an ethnic tribal , will instead attempt to enter Parliament among the ranks of the Awami League , the Socialist and secular Party currently in government. According to the professor , "Christians also have the right to enter politics at a national level ."
Mankin will also be a candidate with the Awami League. He is a "pioneer " in politics: in the past he was elected three times to Parliament, and also held the position of Minister for Social Welfare .
