Bishop in Bangladesh concerned about pre-election violence

Published: 2006-11-01

DHAKA, Bangladesh (CNS) -- A Catholic bishop in Bangladesh expressed concern over the increase in political violence with the approach of general elections early next year. "The people are being held to ransom," said Auxiliary Bishop Theotonius Gomes of Dhaka, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh. At least 25 people were killed and more than 3,000 injured in six days of nationwide street violence after the five-year tenure of the ruling coalition, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, ended Oct. 26. The widespread violence between supporters of rival political coalitions was triggered by the failure of the government and the opposition alliance to agree on the head of the interim government to oversee the elections. "There is a lack of democratic spirit among the political parties. That's why this (violence) is happening," Bishop Gomes told Catholic News Service during an interview in his office Oct. 29.

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