Easter under heavy security for Catholics of Bangladesh
Dhaka (AsiaNews) - An Easter under heavy security for the Catholics of Bangladesh, a small minority representing only 1.1% of the 150 million inhabitants of the country, with an overwhelming Muslim majority. More than 300,000 faithful participated in Sunday Mass in Dhaka and in the five dioceses of the country, but the celebrations during the Triduum all took place under the supervision of the security forces, which watched the churches 24 hours a day.
Abu Sayed, a police official, explains to AsiaNews that "all over the country there is the same scenario, the people are worshiping in the temples, mosque and churches under police security," and that during the periods of religious celebrations there is extra security to prevent attacks, "but we are unable to guarantee the security of the people in everyday life."
Despite the fact that Easter is not one of the public holidays in the calendar of Bangladesh, and in spite of the atmosphere of tension in the country, participation in Holy Week was very high. Theotonius Gomes, the auxiliary bishop of the capital, says that this is a sign of the desire for concord and harmony shared by many people. "The resurrection reflects the message of unity and peace, in facing all the failure Christ is the only shining light of hope."
Kazi Nurul Islam, dean of the department of religious studies at the University of Dhaka, says that the climate of apprehension in the country can be overcome only through interreligious dialogue: "We need to help people to know the religions more, and that will begin to overcome the religious hatred and violence."
Angela Gomes, a Catholic and a leader of the association Bachte Shekha, which helps needy children, confesses that the faithful "are now living with the fear of attacks," but in spite of this they are not staying away from the celebrations, and are continuing to participate in charitable works. For her own part, she says that "the sacrifice of Christ always inspires me, it always reminds me to live for others and for Christ." Gomes, who was honored for her social efforts in 1999 with the Magsaysay Award, spent the holiday with the children of the Bachte Shekha, because "I always want the poor and destitute children to enjoy the joy of Easter in their life."
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