Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dhaka (Fides Service) - Bishop Moses Costa of Dinajpur diocese in Bangladesh is concerned about the present situation in his country. After a series of bomb explosions in August (434 bombs exploded 63 districts) - a sign an upswing of Islamic fundamentalist terrorist groups - the Bishop fears that Christian communities in Bangladesh may become targets for similar further attacks.
Although episodes of pysical violence against Christians have been sporadic in recent years in Bangladesh, Bishop Costa fears violence may increase against Christians often subject to discrimination in daily life in various areas of civil society.
The local Church has advised Catholics to take extra care. The Bishop said Islamic extremists have launched a campaign anti-Westerners which could affect Christian communities. He urged laity and clergy to avoid all provocation.
Recently eight Christian leaders, Catholic and Protestant sent an open letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia calling on the government to guarantee protection, security and peace for the people, religious minorities in particular. The leaders recalled the contribution to the nation offered by Christians with schools and centres of social assistance and healthcare. Bishop. Theotonius Gomes Auxiliary of Dhaka and secretary general of the Catholic Bisops’ Conference of Bangladesh was among the authors of the letter.
In the meantime the government of Bangladesh after the arrest of 160 suspects, issued a statement naming two men (both leaders of Muslim organisations) wanted in connection with the August bomb explosions: Abdur Rahman, leader of Jamayetul Mujaheddin and Banghla Bai leader of Jagrata Muslim Janata.
Bangladesh has a population of 140 million, 85% Muslim, Christians are less than 1 percent (including 280,000 Catholics). The country is one of the poorest in the world and this makes it a seed bed for Islamic fundamentalism. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/9/2005 righe 22 parole 241)
