The interim Prime Minister received a delegation from the Episcopal Conference led by Bishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze. The call to promote a nation founded “on justice, human rights and participatory governance.” The role of the educational and health institutions of the Church “regardless of caste or creed.” The request for a simplified visa for missionaries.
Dhaka () – Maximum collaboration on national issues of great interest, at a time of “remarkable political transformations” initiated by the demonstrations promoted by the student movement last July and August, which led to the fall and exile of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A work that is the result of the “leadership and sacrifice” of the new generations, which the Church and institutions must assume and support “as a unique moment to initiate reforms” that guarantee the development of the country. This was underlined by the Catholic bishops of Bangladesh when they met yesterday with the interim Prime Minister and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in a courtesy visit. It was an occasion, explained a note from the Episcopal Conference (CBCB), to confirm its “deep admiration” for the current premier for “his significant contributions” to the development of the nation and the “recognition” he has received worldwide.
Leading the delegation was Monsignor Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh. In their speech, the bishops highlighted the profound impact of global advances in science, technology, geopolitics and climate change, and underlined the role of the younger generation in shaping the country’s future. Without the active participation of young people, the realization of people’s aspirations,” they observed, “will remain a distant goal.”
Reflecting on the results of the recent protest movement, the prelates called on Prime Minister Yunus and his administration to guide Bangladesh in building a nation based on “justice, human rights and participatory governance.” Praising the effort made so far by the interim chief executive to pursue “secular and inclusive” ideals and principles, the bishops expressed their renewed hope in “national unity, freedom and prosperity.” In their statement, the Catholic leaders recalled the commitment of the Christian community to the good of the nation: “As citizens, we deeply love our country and share – they stressed – the vision of a democratic, inclusive and developed Bangladesh, a place of justice. , rule of law, dignity and freedom from poverty. The meeting underscored the prelates’ commitment to working with the interim government for the progress of all the people of Bangladesh, marking “a step forward” of hope for the nation “in this time of transformation.”
The bishops also reaffirmed their commitment to the nation, stating that they work “tirelessly for the prosperity and development of our homeland, Bangladesh.” Our educational institutions run by the Church, they continued, »provide quality education, regardless of caste or creed. Our hospitals and health centers provide vital care to the poor, while Mother Teresa homes offer a place of trust to the destitute, the disabled and street children. Additionally, our social welfare institutions empower marginalized women through crafts, fostering equality and economic independence.”
“Together with Christian organizations such as Caritas Bangladesh, World Vision, Heed Bangladesh and Ccdb, we actively contribute,” the bishops emphasize, “to the development of the nation and the well-being of its population. With all our services, we are dedicated to supporting the vision of this government and the dreams of the people. The note also highlighted the importance of constitutional reforms that promote nationalism, secularism, non-communal values and human rights, and urged the government to “formally recognize the 45 indigenous communities of Bangladesh, granting them equal rights and addressing the complexities of their land rights.
Finally, the bishops called for holy days for Christians to be expanded beyond December 25 (Christmas) to include December 24 (Christmas Eve) and Easter Sunday, allowing them to fully observe these significant days. They highlighted the challenges faced by the nearly 170 Catholic missionaries currently in the country, who have to deal with complex and long visa procedures. The bishops concluded with a call for them to be granted a simplified and expedited visa, which “will allow them to continue their service without unnecessary delays.”
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