At least 2,000 homes have been destroyed in what is considered the largest refugee camp in the world. Learning centres, schools and hospitals have also been razed to the ground. For experts, the main problem is relocating the refugees. For the UN, deaths by sea of those fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh are also on the increase.
After fewer shutdowns during the pandemic, Internet censorship worsened substantially last year in terms of number, duration, and target groups, this according to a report by Access Now. Iran, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are among the top offenders. In India, “security” is given as the main reason with the power to shut down vested in central and state Home Affairs ministries.
Telugu speakers were brought to Dhaka by the British in the 19th century from Andhra Pradesh to work as sanitation workers, which they still do. But in Bangladesh they have always been marginalised. A few days ago, the Dhaka South City Corporation began tearing down their homes and settlement deemed “illegal”. Two Evangelical churches were also demolished.
On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.
The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.
This year’s edition of the Ekusha Boi Mela (21-28 February) at the Bangla Academy includes Christian stands. Some Muslim visitors have had negative comments, while others have taken the opportunity to buy the Bible and learn about the life of Jesus. Members of the Bangladesh Christian Writers Forum are present.
