Church’s role in Bangladesh’s year of turmoil and hope for renewal
Bangladesh experienced a tumultuous 2024, marked by a mass uprising that ended a 15-year autocratic regime
Jan 10, 2025

DHAKA: Bangladesh experienced a tumultuous 2024, marked by a mass uprising that ended a 15-year autocratic regime. Amid the violence and subsequent political transition, the Catholic Church played a significant role in advocating for justice, peace, and reforms.
The student-led protests that overthrew Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, highlighted deep societal discontent. The unrest, fueled by grievances over government job quotas and democratic suppression, claimed 858 lives and left over 11,500 injured. In the aftermath, lawlessness erupted, with minorities, including Christians, facing targeted attacks. Catholic schools and educators were also pressured amid accusations of political affiliations.
The interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has since initiated institutional reforms. Christian leaders seized this moment to advocate for greater inclusion and protection of minority rights. Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka led delegations urging the government to include Christian representatives in reform commissions and highlighted the Catholic Church’s contributions to education, healthcare, and social services.
The Church, which runs over 1,000 schools, 75 hospitals, and numerous orphanages and training institutes, also faces internal calls for reform. Christian financial organisations, accused of mismanagement, have prompted discussions about creating a more participatory and transparent Church. These efforts align with the broader Synodal vision of unity, accountability, and service.
Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, the Apostolic Nuncio, engaged with Islamic scholars to foster interfaith dialogue, underscoring the Church’s commitment to peacebuilding. Meanwhile, the rise of political Islam poses challenges to the secular fabric of the nation, though Yunus has reassured citizens of his commitment to democracy and inclusivity.
As Bangladesh rebuilds from a year of upheaval, the Catholic Church’s advocacy for justice, education, and unity reflects its enduring role in shaping a hopeful and inclusive future for the nation. --ucanews.com
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