Bangladeshis demand justice for Fr. Parolari
Some 200 Christians, Muslims and Hindus of Bangladesh, protested in front of the National Press Club of Dhaka on Saturday, demanding justice in the attack against an Italian Catholic in Dinajpur on Nov. 18.
The Islamic State militants have claimed the attack on 64-year old Fr. Piero Parolari, a priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and a medical doctor working in the country since 1985. He was treating patients at the Catholic Church’s St Vincent Hospital. He was on his bicycle on the way to the hospital on Wednesday to treat two injured youths when a motorcycle drew up and shot him, throwing him heavily on the ground. Earlier on Oct. 5, Protestant pastor Luke Sarker was attacked in Pabna. Both narrowly escaped death.
Hindu protestor, Rana Dasgupta, a court official and participant in Saturday’s protest, said they were there in a very sad mood. He lamented that Fr. Parolari, who sacrificed his life for charity, was attacked by extremists. “It is a shame for us Bangladeshis,” Dasgupta said, adding he heard 12 other priests have received death threats. He warned that if this situation persists, democracy in Bangladesh will be destroyed soon.
The demonstration was organized by the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) and other Christians groups. Participants carried placards reading: “Don't kill for the sake of religion. Foreigners are our friends”. BCA secretary general, Nirmal Rozario said Christians are the most persecuted. Since the government does not care for their situation, criminals have the courage to attack them. Rozario noted that in the past Christians have been victims several times and no one has received justice. “Now we want justice for the attack of Fr. Piero,” he said.
Rozario noted that in the past two weeks some ten Protestant pastors have received anonymous text messages with death threats. One such message he said read, “Eat what you like the most. Only 5 days are left. Not more.” A pastor who requested anonymity said after receiving such messages he cannot go out any more.
Benedict Alo D’Rozario, executive director of Caritas Bangladesh, who participated in the protest, said that PIME missionaries and many other priests serve the people selflessly. They carry out humanitarian works for people of all religions, but they become victims and are persecuted. D’Rozario said they are demanding justice and security for the priests. (Source: AsiaNews)
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