Caritas Bangladesh: Golden Jubilee of 'love and service' to others

Civil and religious authorities attended the closing party for the 50th anniversary of the Catholic organization. Recognition by Premier Hasina and the president. Hundreds of thousands of houses built for families affected by natural disasters. Archbishop of Dhaka: for a more just society according to the teachings of the Church's social doctrine.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - At the end of a year of events and celebrations, Bangladeshi Catholics today conclude the Golden Jubilee of the local branch of Caritas under the motto: "Caritas Bangladesh: a 50-year journey of love and service." The event is being held inside Notre Dame College in Dhaka and represents the final stage of a journey that started on November 25 last year, in the presence of the highest institutional, political and civil society officials, Catholic and non-Catholic, of the Asian country. 

Among those who paid tribute to the work of the Christian charity were President Mohammad Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government leader praised the charity's "vital role" and contribution to the nation's "socio-economic development," so much so that it has established itself over time as one of "our main partners." From education to health care, from family aid to climate and environmental issues, the premier continued, there are many areas of focus, not to mention employment opportunities for the poor and marginalized. All while "ensuring justice, peace and social harmony." Instead, the head of state extols the "significant contribution" made in assisting displaced Rohingya people from neighboring Myanmar. 

Today's festivities are attended by bishops, executive ministers, humanitarian NGOs, dignitaries and administrative officials, civil society officials, and large numbers of the faithful, all gathered to pay tribute to the decades-long work of Caritas Bangladesh. Guests of honor included Minister of Agriculture Abdur Razzak, Archbishop of the capital Msgr. Bejoy N. D'Cruze along with predecessor and emeritus Card. Patrick D' Rozario. 

In his remarks, CB Executive Director Sebastian Rozario expressed gratitude for those who have supported the work of the charity, whose work has proven essential during the many natural disasters that have struck the country. "Over the past 50 years, Caritas," he explained, "has built 800,000 homes for families affected by natural disasters, dug 1,492 ponds, constructed 179 levees, and established 255 cyclone shelters, including 74 shelters for flood victims. Minister Razzak remarked on the contributions in infrastructure with the construction of "roads, culverts, bridges, cyclone shelters, housing for the homeless, food for the hungry, digging and renovation of ponds" in addition to "educational support and health care [...] for this I really appreciate Caritas."

The Archbishop of Dhaka recalled its "spiritual" element that is inherent in a Catholic reality, which aims at "the moral advancement of all" individuals, in addition to the needs from the socio-economic point of view. "This institution," said Msgr. D'Cruze, "constantly strives to build a peaceful and just society in light of the teaching of the Church's social doctrine" and without regard to "caste or creed" professed, a sign of a "universal concern for compassion and loving care. CB President Msgr. James Romen Boiragi, bishop of Khulna, concludes by pointing out that "there are still many places in Bangladesh where people cannot benefit from services," and the Golden Jubilee is "an occasion" to think of them as well. 

Caritas Bangladesh began, albeit under a different name, its activities in 1967 as a separate branch of its sister organization in Pakistan, but the actual institution dates back to July 13, 1972, when it obtained government registration. Today it operates in 187 upazilas, spread across the country's 53 districts. Today there are 112 active projects benefiting thousands of beneficiaries. In 2004 its work earned it a gold medal from the National Fisheries Service. 

• Bangladesh
• Caritas
• Golden Jubilee
• Christians
• Muslims
• poverty