Tension is high in the capital of Bangladesh and other areas, with violence targeting vehicles and public spaces during the days of protests called by the Awami League against Yunus's ‘illegal government’. There have been about twenty attacks as of last night, with patrols and roadblocks. The leaders of the party excluded from the elections deny any involvement and speak of a government manoeuvre to discredit it. Offices and schools are closed today.
Two improvised explosive devices were thrown at the country's main Catholic cathedral; one landed inside but did not explode. Police have opened an investigation, but the motive behind the attack is still unknown. The attack came on the eve of an important meeting with approximately 600 worshippers. Worshippers and residents living near the cathedral are very concerned.
The decision not to recruit music and phys ed teachers comes in for harsh criticism. For a choir director, it “is like removing a part of our humanity.” Human Rights Forum Bangladesh urges politicians to resist “unreasonable demands." Youth protests at the capital's university. Student told AsiaNews that “an entire generation” is “at risk of cultural impoverishment.”
The prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development on a five-day pastoral visit to the country. In Narayanganj, he shared a meal with 600 displaced Christians. One of them said: ‘He testified that we can turn to God despite the difficulties.’ Meetings with the Rohingya community in Cox's Bazar, street children and leaders of other religions are planned.
A group of Christian community leaders met with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - widely favoured with the exclusion of the Awami League - calling for inclusive and fair lists. Secretary Alamgir reassures them about a ‘non-sectarian’ country and reforms to protect minorities. Civil society calls for reserved seats for indigenous communities and gender parity. The European Union pledges €4 million for a transparent democratic process.
The national pass rate has fallen to 58.83%, the lowest in 21 years. Over half a million students failed, while 77,000 fewer than last year achieved the highest marks (GPA-5). Scholars and educators are questioning the reasons for the crisis. Catholic schools are spared, although they too have recorded a (minimal) decline in results.
