Anima Mukti Gomes, Bangladesh's only Christian MP

Singer and writer, she comes from the Hasnabad parish of Dhaka. She was chosen along with 50 other women to fill the pink quotas in the new parliament, following the elections on 7 January. She told AsiaNews: "I will apply Christian teachings and values".

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Only one Christian woman has obtained a seat in the new Bangladesh Parliament. Her name is Anima Mukti Gomes and she was sworn in on 28 February, during a ceremony presided over by speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, but also attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, elected for the third consecutive term after the votes on 7 January.

On February 27, the electoral commission announced the names of the candidates who had obtained 50 seats out of a total of 350 reserved for women. Most, including Gomes herself, come from the Awami League, the same party as the prime minister.

Gomes belongs to Hasnabad parish, Dhaka. “I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who selected me. The Prime Minister relied on me, and I will certainly restore the trust she gave me by doing my job well,” she told AsiaNews.

Anima Mukti Gomes is known nationally for her singing activity. A student of Maya Ganguli, another Catholic singer, Gomes has so far released 7 albums and performed on several national stages. You frequently serve as a judge on talent shows and last year you received the Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Padak award from Prime Minister Hasina.

“As a Christian congresswoman, I will apply Christian values and teachings,” Gomes added, explaining that just as she has maintained her honesty in her musical career, so too will she in her political career.” I will apply the ideals of Jesus Christ in my work so that people can recognize that I am a Christian.”

Gomes is also a writer; she has written nine books of short stories and poems, including a novel.

• Bangladesh
• parliament
• MP
• Christians
• Dhaka
• Anima Mukti Gomes