Bangladeshi Priest abducted before Pope's visit freed

Dec 04, 2017

DHAKA: A Bangladeshi Catholic priest how had been abducted and missing since the evening of Nov. 27 was found alive.

Father Walter William Rozario, 41, assistant parish priest of Maria Virgo Potens Church, was abducted ahead of Pope Francis’ Nov. 30-Dec. 2 visit to Bangladesh. He was found alive in Sylhet.

Father Walter William Rozario is said to have fled from his kidnappers and got in touch with his family. The priest contacted his younger brother from the bus stop in Sylhet’s South Surma sub-district. He was then rescued by police.

Earlier, the kidnappers had demanded 300,000 taka (US$3,260) for the priest’s release, according to his family. His elder brother, Premal Rozario, told the Dhaka Tribune that the demand was made through an internet call to the priest’s younger brother, Bimal Rozario, on Nov. 28.

Father Rozario, is also headmaster of church-run St. Louis High School at Borni in Natore district in the north of the country.

Sources in the parish told ucanews.com that the missing priest was engaged in preparing for the pope’s visit. On Nov. 27, Father Rozario went to the Bonpara area to oversee the printing of a souvenir magazine dedicated to two local deacons to be ordained by Pope Francis in Dhaka on Dec. 1. He disappeared on his way back to his parish by motorbike.--Ucanews.Com