ASIA/BANGLADESH - Catholic community called to give hope amid social tensions and economic crisis

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 civil society   economy   society   politics  

Caritas Bangladesh

Dhaka (Agenzia Fides) - "There is a general crisis in the country. We are going through a very delicate transition phase, marked by tensions, uncertainty and economic problems that could lead to new protests," explains to Fides Father Redon Robert Hadima, Bangladeshi priest and vice-rector of the Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Dhaka. Fr. Hadima recalls how, during the student protests of the summer of 2024, which culminated in the dismissal and flight of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, violence reached areas close to the seminary. Although the seminary was not damaged, other public and private institutions were targeted by attacks and vandalism.
"The Bangladeshi people wanted a change," comments the priest. "Hopes were placed on an interim government, but, after a few months, the situation seems critical. The economy is in a desperate state. More than 200 textile factories have closed, with a devastating impact on employment. Uncontrolled inflation affects even basic necessities, while the depreciation of the taka against the dollar makes imported goods more expensive. These conditions aggravate popular discontent. When people do not have enough to eat and struggle to survive, the social atmosphere becomes potentially explosive. The education system is also facing serious difficulties. According to Father Hadima, the decision of the interim government to review the contents of textbooks and withdraw old ones has left millions of students without the necessary material for the school year that begins in January 2025. This change sought to modify historical references to Mujibur Rahman, father of the deposed prime minister, attributing the declaration of independence of Bangladesh to Ziaur Rahman, former president and founder of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Mujibur, according to historians, is said to have proclaimed independence in February 1971, although Ziaur, an army major at the time, did so on his behalf while Mujibur was imprisoned by the Pakistani authorities. “The lack of books has created confusion in public and private schools,” the priest notes. “In addition, the resignation or dismissal of excellent teachers, simply for not aligning themselves with the student movement, has aggravated the problem. This has led to an alarming decline in the level of education.” “What is now being perceived,” Father Hadima continues, “is the end of the provisional government’s ‘honeymoon’ with the population. People are unaware of the date of the next elections and are desperately longing for political, economic and social stability. We are living in an extremely fragile transition phase. There is a widespread feeling of dissatisfaction, even towards student leaders, who are blamed for this instability. There is fear that social tensions could lead to violence again.” “Another problem that is perceived”, he observes, “is the reorganization and resurgence of radical Islamist groups that could generate conflicts in society, promoting practices and acts of discrimination, especially against religious minorities such as Christians and Hindus”. The Vice-Rector concludes: “As a Catholic community, a community that represents only 0.03% of the population, we must strive to contribute to stability, calming tempers and consoling afflicted hearts. It is necessary to ask people for patience and to live, especially in this Jubilee year, as a time of hope. That hope exists; it is in the Lord and does not fade. From our modest reality, we are committed to fostering charity and solidarity with all, especially with the poorest and most vulnerable”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 22/1/2024)


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