Bishop expresses relief over political developments in Bangladesh

Published: 2007-01-18

BANGALORE, India (CNS) -- The secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh expressed relief over the recent political developments that eased protests and violence in the south Asian country. "These (measures) have come as a big relief for the people," Auxiliary Bishop Theotonius Gomes of Dhaka, Bangladesh, told Catholic News Service Jan. 17. The "majority of the people are very optimistic now," the bishop said. "Life has returned to normal, and people are able to go to work." President Iajuddin Ahmed stepped down as interim administration chief, postponed the Jan. 22 national elections and declared a state of emergency in an effort to quell the widespread political chaos in recent weeks. Iajuddin Ahmed appointed Fakhruddin Ahmed, a widely respected economist, as the new chief of the interim administration. In turn, Fakhruddin Ahmed named five new members to his council of advisers Jan. 16.

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