Christianity arrived in Kewachala only in the 1960s. Since the first mixed marriage and the first baptisms in 1977, the Catholic community has grown thanks to priests and nuns, in particular Fr. Dominic Sentu Rozario and Fr. Gianantonio Baio of PIME. On January 16, Mithun Mathias Ekka was ordained a priest, the fruit of the seed that was sown.
The deaths, in the Badarganj and Rangpur areas, are linked to the consumption of bootleg alcohol. The latest victim is alleged trafficker Zainul Abedin. In this Muslim-majority country, the existing ban encourages illegal trade. Investigations into the supply chain are ongoing.
A 28-year-old tuk-tuk driver, Samir Kumar Das, was killed in Feni District raising to 12 the number of Hindus killed in recent violence against minorities. India is calling for swift and decisive action. Meanwhile, concern is also being expressed following the reactions of a Hindu priest in Ghaziabad, who is fanning the flames by calling for the distribution of swords and the formation of “squads like ISIS.”
Bangladesh’s concerns about the safety of its cricket players is connected to the decision by Indian cricket authorities to exclude Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from the Indian Premier League. The deterioration in bilateral relations follows former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina's flight to India. The two sides also accuse each other of sectarian violence as Bangladeshis are set to go to the polls next month. Still, New Delhi is trying a more conciliatory approach.
Dedicated to Saint Francis, the church was built by PIME missionaries called to this area of Bangladesh by some Santals who wanted to learn about the Gospel. The community, which now numbers some five thousand, led to the birth of other parishes. Bishop Tudu expressed gratitude for those who “planted the seed of Christian faith” in the area.
The country's first female prime minister, a long-time protagonist in Bangladeshi political life, has died at the age of 80. An unprecedented crowd gathered at her funeral. Bishop Bejoy D'Cruze: ‘Despite differences of opinion, she loved the nation deeply’. The Church's appeal for peace and unity in a moment of profound grief.
