Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Ambassador to the Holy See from the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Abdul Hannan
Discourse to the Ambassador from Bangladesh Mr. Md. Abdul Hannan
Mr
Ambassador, It is my pleasure to welcome you today as you present the Letters of
Credence by which you are appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
to the Holy See. I am grateful for the greetings which you have brought to me from
His Excellency President Zillur Rahman, and I would ask you to convey to him in turn
my own prayerful good wishes for his continued well-being and that of the Bangladeshi
people. The recent visit to the Vatican of the Prime Minister, Her Excellency Sheikh
Hasina Wajed, provided a welcome opportunity to renew our common commitment to enhancing
the spirit of cooperation which has characterized the cordial relations between the
Holy See and Bangladesh for over thirty years. Your Excellency, while your country
still faces many economic, social and environmental challenges, the significant strides
in development made in recent times have raised the hopes of its citizens and attracted
the attention of the entire global community. Although few in number, Bangladesh’s
Catholics too share the expectation that the collaborative efforts which have made
these gains possible will continue to animate the nation as its citizens set new goals
for the future and devise fresh ways of achieving them. One such goal has been
the reduction of poverty. Its alleviation is inextricably tied to the extension of
gainful employment. Work gives expression to human dignity, allowing men and women
to realize their talents, develop their skills, and strengthen the bonds of solidarity
with one another. This solidarity, in turn, also has a spiritual dimension, for by
sharing the fruits of their labour with one another – and most especially with those
in need – people everywhere bear witness to the goodness of the Almighty and his concern
for the poorest and the weakest.
In this context, one cannot but note
the successes of your country’s initiatives in micro-credit and micro-finance which
are gradually bringing a new level of prosperity to your people. Moreover, these
practices show signs of protecting the more vulnerable sectors of society from the
risks and abuses of usury (cf. Caritas in Veritate, 65). May a fair and prudent application
of innovative lending strategies support rural infrastructures, stimulate markets,
and advance the development and dissemination of agricultural technology that will
make the best use of the valuable human, natural and socio-economic resources of your
land. Improving standards of living also depends heavily on the commitment to
the education of the young, both boys and girls. This has rightly been a priority
for Bangladesh in recent decades, and achievements in this area give hope for the
future. In the era of globalization, it is increasingly clear that greater access
to education is essential for development at every level. Above all, it is essential
for teachers to understand the nature of the human person and to cherish each and
every student as a unique and precious individual, providing nourishment for the soul
as well as the mind. The local Catholic Church is playing its part in this area through
its widespread network of schools and other educational institutions. In this regard,
the newly established Teachers’ Training College is intended to provide suitably qualified
teachers so as to ensure that standards will further improve and that the commitment
to education will continue on a sound footing into the future. The recent positive
meetings with the Ministry of Education and the establishment of a formal liaison
between the Ministry and the Bishops to discuss matters of common interest should
lead to enhanced cooperation in the field of education and make possible the speedy
and amicable resolution of whatever issues may arise from time to time. Your Excellency,
I pray that Muslims, Hindus, Christians and all people of goodwill in your country
will bear untiring witness to the peaceful coexistence that remains the vocation of
the entire human race. To this end, all citizens – and particularly leaders – share
in the responsibility of upholding the principles that underpin a just democratic
system of governance. Intimidation and violence erode the very basis of social harmony
and must be decried as offensive to human life and freedom. Showing a preferential
love for the poor and the ailing, embracing the weak as precious in the sight of God:
these are the ways by which society is infused with the breath of divine goodness
that sustains the life of every creature. Mr Ambassador, at the outset of your
mission, I cordially extend to you my good wishes for its success, and I assure you
of my prayers and the support of the various offices of the Holy See which stand ready
to assist you. Upon you, the members of your family and all the citizens of Bangladesh
I willingly invoke abundant divine blessings.