Christian writers, journalist in Bangladesh meet to define, assert role in society

A group of Christian writers and journalists in Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim country, held a meeting in Dhaka on September 17 to define their role in society amid the pandemic.

"Christians writers and journalist continue to play an important role in health and education in the country,” said one speaker during the meeting.

During discussions, the group recognized the Christians’ contribution in what they described as “the great liberation war.”

The Bangladesh Liberation War, also known as the Bangladesh War of Independence, in 1971 was sparked by the rise of the Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement.

“We have to see whether the place of democracy or enjoyment of rights is right in the hope that we have waged the war of liberation,” said the writers in their meeting.

They vowed to “convey various messages” and “wake everyone up” through their writings.

"Your creative thinking will help the common people to move forward,” said another speaker, adding that a society where there are no writers and intellectuals, “people cannot live with their heads held high.”

“You are the mirror of society and also of the country,” said one speaker.

The participants in the meeting called for the recognition of tradition, noting that Bangladesh “has largely deviated from the principles of the liberation war,” resulting in human rights abuses against minorities.

The meeting was held at BK Good Conference Hall of Dhaka Credit in collaboration with the Bangladesh Christian Association.

Nirmal Rozario, acting president of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad and president of Bangladesh Christian Association, presided over the meeting, which was attended by Dr. Nim Chandra Bhowmik, acting president of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, and Basudeb Dhar, president of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad.

Also present as special guests were Pankaj Gilbert Costa, president of Dhaka Credit; Ignatius H. Corraya, organizing secretary of Unity Parishad and Secretary General of Christian Association; Raymond Areng, member of Central Executive Committee of Bangladesh Awami League; Sanjib Drong, general secretary of Adivasi Forum, author and researcher; Father Augustine Bulbul Rebeiro, director of Christian Communication Center and Editor of the weekly Pratibeshi; and Monindra Kumar Nath, joint general secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad. 

The event was hosted by Sumon Corraya, assistant manager-in-charge for Media and Publications of Dhaka Credit and a member of the editorial board of Parishad Barta. - Nikhil Gomez / RVA News