Bangladesh government funds 26 Christian churches ‎

The Christian Religious Welfare Trust of Bangladesh government has donated 2.1 million taka (US$ 27,500) for pastoral work and renovation to 26 Christian churches in the country.   The trust which functions under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, made the contribution on Dec. 1 in Dhaka.  The government gesture is highly significant, given the fact that Christians represent only 0.4 per cent of the predominantly Muslim nation, with Catholics forming just 0.1 per cent.  Established in 2009, the fund is designed to contribute to national development through the development of its human resources and by encouraging solidarity between people of different faiths.  "We want the faithful of all religions to follow their beliefs freely. Through this fund, we promote religious harmony and brotherhood," Religious Affairs Minister Motiur Rahman, who also chairs the Christian Religious Welfare Trust, told AsiaNews.  During the ceremony, the minister also noted that Bangladesh is a secular country and that its constitution protects religious rights.  "We believe," he explained, "that if people of all religion can practice their religious rituals properly, our country will advance with prosperity and peace". Since 2009, the Christian Religious Welfare Trust has helped 91 churches, for a total outlay of 9.5 million taka (US$ 125,000).  (Source: AsiaNews)