Bangladesh Church concerned over continued violence ‎

The Catholic Church of Bangladesh is deeply concerned about the worsening political crisis marked by continued violence, which as of Sunday has already killed at least 27 people and injured hundreds more.

Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi, vice president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Bangladesh lamented to AsiaNews saying with independence, they thought they would be free from the repression and exploitation of Pakistani rulers, but Bangladesh’s leaders were no better.  The violence has worsened steadily since Jan. 5, when protests erupted over last year's election, which was boycotted by the opposition the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia.  However, the government, led by Sheik Hasina of Awami League, squashed the protests, exacerbating the situation.  Bishop Rozario noted the Awami League continues to use logic of obstinacy, while the BNP responds in its own insane manner. This is neither politics nor democracy. There can be no democracy where the people and the politicians are immature and ignorant". 

"Bangladesh,” Bishop Rozario explained, “needs leaders and rulers of noble virtues, patriotic, good-hearted, with a moral sense and love for their own people. Not 'designated royalty' who sacrifice the people to preserve their power and their privileges". 

The Bangladeshi authorities ended Monday to forced confinement of opposition leader Khaleda Zia after an outbreak of violence that killed 27 people, but his party assures that he would continue the country's transport blockade.  The government on Sunday shut down smartphone messaging and voice services Viber and Tango, which have become a popular communication medium for the protesters.  Human rights groups have expressed concern over the violence and urged those involved in the conflict to exercise restraint, with a statement from United Nations human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani also calling for "prompt, impartial and effective" investigation of all killings.  (Source: AsiaNews)