ASIA/BANGLADESH - Tension and instability, violence in the streets for the formation of interim government in view of elections in 2007

Dacca (Agenzia Fides) - Difficult months led ahead as Bangladesh waits for general elections early in 2007. Recently violence exploded in the streets of Dacca between supporters of the main political coalitions Awami League and the Bangladesh National Party at the moment of the formation of an administration ad interim, foreseen by the Constitution, three months before general elections to guarantee neutrality e transparency in the electoral process.
The parties fail to reach agreement on leadership of the interim executive and the dispute flared into widespread violence in which 26 were killed and 500 injured.
After two days of violence president Iajuddin Ahmed was proposed and accepted as leader of the temporary government.
Observers say these political based incidents, in various different cities, were the most serious in Bangladesh in the past 15 years.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s poorest countries with a gap between the rich elite and the majority of people living in dire poverty. Widespread unemployment causes massive emigration. Catholic missionaries working in Bangladesh say there are serious problems of child abuse and child labour. There is widespread illiteracy and to promote non violent change from the grass root level, it is necessary to help the Bengalese people realise their rights the missionaries say. Bangladesh has a population of 140 million, 85% Muslim , less than 1% Christian (including 280,000 Catholics). (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2006 righe 25 parole 251)