Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Alarmed by a wave of violence by Islamic fundamentalists, especially against Bangladesh's Hindu minority, the country's Catholic leaders have called on the government to stop the strikes (hartal), provide security to the country's citizens and protect churches in Bangladesh so that Christians can also enjoy a peaceful Christmas.
"Christmas is the main Christian religious festivity," said Nirmal Rozario, general secretary of the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA), at a press conference on Wednesday in Dhaka. "We in Bangladesh also wish to celebrate it in a peaceful manner."
The Christian community is concerned that the country might be entering a new phase of violence and instability, due to the attitude taken by the opposition with regards to the general elections set for 5 January 2014.
In recent weeks, violent clashes and roadblocks have paralysed Bangladesh. According to a report released last Sunday by Ain 0 Salish Kendro, a well-known local human rights organisation, 433 have died in strikes since January 2013. An additional 21,043 have suffered injuries during the same period, including 98 from burns.
"Because of the ongoing hartal," the Catholic leader said, "we cannot go anywhere. Anyone who lives in the city cannot go back to his village to celebrate Christmas. But it is our right to do so."
"Attacks against minority communities concern us," Nirmal Rozario explained, because "We are the most vulnerable groups. We live in fear and want the police to protect churches from attack."
Bangladesh's Christians also would like to see the national television and radio broadcast more programmes about Christianity.