For Christians and Muslims, the sacred period of fasting and prayer began yesterday, at a delicate time for the nation. Archbishop of Dhaka: “We hunger and thirst for justice.” Through fasting and austerity, “Christian life becomes stronger and more authentic.” Government office hours change, public primary schools close for 35 days.
The victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party marked the end of 15 years of Awami League rule. A PIME missionary spoke to AsiaNews about the vote, noting that it was more peaceful with less fraud, although there are concerns about internal tensions and the rise of Islamists. A desire for change and stability prevails among the population.
Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The referendum has not yet been decided, pending official results.
Voting concluded at 4:30 PM. The Election Commission will announce the results tomorrow morning. A Yes vote in the constitutional referendum could lead to the drafting of a new constitution without the Awami League, which led Bangladesh to independence. Minority representatives confirmed the peaceful atmosphere, but called for greater inclusion.
Two days before the national elections, which also include a constitutional referendum, a climate of intense political uncertainty prevails in the country. With the exclusion of the Awami League, the electoral contest will see the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami, two parties deeply distrusted by Hindus and Christians, as the main protagonists. Once again, the country finds itself torn between hope for change and suspicion that the election’s outcome is already preordained.
About 300 faithful attended the event at the Church of the Rosary in Tejgaon. Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze: divisions are ‘a great scandal’. Methodist Bishop Simon Biswas: ‘When we are united, Christ becomes visible’. An invitation to pray for national harmony in the pre-election context.
