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Ziaul Haque/NurPhoto
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Ziaul Haque/NurPhoto
World News

Catholic aid agency stormed and ransacked in Bangladesh

by Premier Journalist

The regional office of a Catholic aid agency has been stormed by a mob in Bangladesh, as civil unrest continues to rock the country.

The Khulna office of Caritas Bangladesh, a partner of the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development, was ransacked on Tuesday, according to The Times of India

Phil Talman, programme coordinator for Bangladesh at London-based CAFOD told the outlet that "about 40 to 50 people" attacked during the incident.

"They wrecked and looted the place and some stayed, occupying the land and looking like they are not going to move," Talman explained. He added that no staff were injured during the attack. 

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been sworn in as Bangladesh's interim leader, and has vowed to "uphold, support and protect the constitution".

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled across the border to India earlier this week following weeks of student-led protests which left hundreds dead.

The decision to appoint Prof Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government came after a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.

Students demanded that no military government be installed in the interim.

Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, two students who led the anti-government protests, are among Prof Yunus's new cabinet. 

Prof Yunus has said he hopes to bring democracy back to Bangladesh and to capitalise on what he called the country's "second independence".

Meanwhile, churches have been calling for peace and prayer as the transition commences. 

In a statement, World Council of Churches (WCC) secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay emphasised the need for a stable, democratic government, saying it was "crucial for the nation's long-term peace and prosperity".

He called on all parties to engage in dialogue for a peaceful transition.

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation, with Christians making up just 0.3 per cent of the population.

 


 

 

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