The reopened investigations into the attacks on churches and hotels that killed over 270 people have now directly implicated the former president, who returned to power just a few months after the bombings. The former head of intelligence has been in prison for three months on charges of having ‘used’ Islamists to upset the country’s political balance.
The Holy See created the diocese on 25 March in a remote and impoverished part of northern Bangladesh that is marked by cultural and religious diversity. PIME missionaries were the first to bring the Gospel to the area. Today, its first shepherd was ordained in Naogaon, at a ceremony attended by thousands of faithful. The new bishop told AsiaNews that he wants to promote prosperity and “interreligious harmony”.
Dadan Hindayana, who headed the agency for two years, has been jailed, along with Sony Sonjaya and Lodewyk Pusung. The prosecution cites “solid” evidence supporting the charges, whilst the investigation continues. The agency’s new head announces a radical change: the target of reaching 83 million people is no longer a priority
Today’s headlines: Hezbollah rejects the terms of the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, calling it a “surrender”; Drought is crippling crops in various parts of Asia, and the effects of El Niño risk exacerbating the crisis; Dhaka denounces attempts at border incursions facilitated by Indian authorities; The Sultan of Brunei announces a government reshuffle, with two ministries going to his sons.
The vote on 7 June in Yerevan is set to resolve the turbulent domestic political situation, either ushering in a new phase oriented towards Europe or bringing the country back under Russian control, whilst seeking to avert civil war between the various factions of the Armenian people. Meanwhile, the current Prime Minister Pashinyan has indicated that he intends to meet Putin immediately after the vote.
In the last Christian village in the West Bank, provocations by Israeli settlers are increasing in intensity. For Father Bashar, the atmosphere is one "of fear and intimidation”. Residents appeal to the authorities and NGOs to intervene "urgently”. A parish report documents the attacks that occurred in May.
