Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
by Fabio Beretta
Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) - Easter should become a national holiday. This is what the Christians of Bangladesh are asking the transitional government to do in a letter signed by Bishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze, President of the Bishops' Conference and the United Forum of Churches of Bangladesh (which brings together all the other Christian denominations in the country), addressed to the head of the transitional government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus.
The letter, which was received by Fides, assures the government of the prayers of the Christian community and recalls that Easter, "the day on which we celebrate the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over sin and death, is one of the most important celebrations of Christianity". "Unfortunately, despite repeated requests to previous governments, this day of immense importance is not recognized as a national holiday in the country. As a result, many Catholics cannot attend religious services and Holy Mass, thus violating their religious obligations," the letter continues. And the problem affects not only workers, but also students, because "some exams often fall on this day and Christian students feel oppressed because they cannot celebrate with the community." "We ask," the letter continues, "that we, like other religions in our country, have the opportunity to celebrate this important and solemn holiday. Although the Christian population is not very large, we are an integral part of this country and make a significant contribution to development through our community services," especially "in the areas of education, medical care, poverty alleviation and other development programs." "We welcome the reform initiatives of your government," the letter concludes, "and ask you to consider declaring Easter Sunday a public holiday so that the Christian community can celebrate important rituals." (Agenzia Fides, 18/10/2024)
