Caritas Bangladesh working to uphold Human Dignity: Government Officials

Bangladeshi local government officials praised Caritas Bangladesh for serving the people irrespective of caste, creed and religion to uphold human dignity.

Wazed Ali, the vice-chairman of Paba Upazila, stated that Caritas Bangladesh "is playing a major role in the areas of human dignity including food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, children, digging and re-excavation of fun ponds, road renovations, field filling and women's rights - working for the next generation as well."

Upazila is an administrative region in Bangladesh, as a sub-unit of a district or a county.

Wazed Ali was speaking during an event marking the fifty years of Caritas Bangladesh at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Andharkota, Rajshahi, on December 15.

Caritas Bangladesh, the social action arm of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh, marks 50 years journey with love and service.

Wazed Ali acknowledged that "Caritas started working in East Pakistan in 1966 and has been working for all irrespective of caste, creed and religion."

Losmi Chakma, Nirbahi Officer of Paba Upazila, expressed happiness that the fifty years of Caritas Bangladesh coincided with the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh.

"Hopefully, Caritas Rajshahi region would be involved in the government's plan to make Paba Upazila a model Upazila," Chakma said, speaking as the chief guest during the event.

Chakma acknowledged the works of Caritas Bangladesh in education, disaster management, agriculture, climate, development work for indigenous peoples and as protection of cultural heritage.

Bishop Gervas Rozario of  Rajshahi said that "Caritas played a vital role in the integrated development of the country, starting with the rehabilitation work during and after the war in the war-torn country of 1971."

Speaking as the guest of honor, Bishop Rozario said, "Recently Caritas working extensively on education and health and spiritual and moral development and the establishment of love and dignity. The love of Jesus Christ is manifested through this loving service of Caritas."

Sebastian Rozario, the Executive Director of Caritas Bangladesh, stated that World Caritas is celebrating 70 years of Jubilee and Bangladesh Caritas is celebrating 50 years of Jubilee.

Sebastian Rozario expressed optimism about the future of Caritas.

"No one should fall behind in the country's development goals by 2041," Sebastian Rozario said. He invited the rich "to participate in the service of Caritas with their social responsibility."

Sukleash George Costa, the Regional Director of Caritas Rajshahi, highlighted the region's 50 years of achievements and contributions and thanked God and those who have contributed to Caritas.

Caritas Rajshahi region was started in 1972 at Andharkota Catholic Mission in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi district. At that time, its activities were conducted under the name of CORR. This Andharkota Catholic Mission was the temporary office of CORR Caritas.

Then in October 1972, the office was operated in a rented house at Kazihata in Rajshahi city.  Since 1975, Caritas has been operating in its own building at its present address Mohishbathan, Rajshahi Court, Rajshahi.

Now Caritas Rajshahi region covers 1,920 villages in 30 Upazilas of 6 districts and has one regional office, 30 Upazilas, and 42 branch offices.