Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dacca (Fides Service) - Most Bangladeshi Christians are extremely poor like the majority of country’s citizens and live in extremely difficult conditions. In this situation a radio programme can be a ray of hope and a means of contact with the rest of the world. With its programmes in Bengali the well known Manila based Catholic broadcaster Radio Veritas helps keep faith and hope alive all over Asia and also in Bangladesh.
Recently Radio Veritas Bengali Service marked its 25th anniversary with a solemn Mass in Manila presided by Archbishop Paulinus Costa of Dacca capital of Bangladesh. “In Bangladesh Radio Veritas has a large audience including many non Christians because it spreads words of truth. Christian find it a support for the faith, non Christian appreciate it and say it is not a confessional radio and its programmes are of interest to all”.
The archbishop said Radio Veritas “is Asia’s first missionary”, and encouraged the radio staff to continue the service of spreading the Gospel message of love and solidarity.
Bangladesh has a population of 140 million 85% Muslim and Christian are less than 1 percent (including 280,000 Catholics). It is one of the world’s poorest countries with almost 50% of the people living below the poverty line and 36% in conditions of extreme poverty. The local Catholic community is active in the fields of education and social assistance.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2005 righe 23 parole 214)
