Members
of Bangladesh's Christian community formed a human chain in the capital
on Tuesday, demanding a one-day public holiday on Easter Sunday, a
significant religious festival for Christians in Bangladesh.
Leaders
and members of the Christian community, under the banner of the
Bangladesh Christian Association, formed the human chain in front of the
National Press Club at 11 am. Priests and representatives of Christian
organisations also participated.
Speakers said Easter, the most
significant day in the Christian calendar, continues to fall on a
regular working day in Bangladesh. As a result, many are forced to
manage religious observance alongside work commitments.
The programme was chaired by the association's president, Nirmal Rozario.
Speaking
at the event, Rozario said, "Easter Sunday is one of the most
significant days in the Christian faith. When it remains a working day,
many people are forced to choose between their religious obligations and
professional responsibilities, which does not align with the principles
of an inclusive state."
"This is not a one-off concern. It comes
up every year," said Hemanta I. Corraya, general secretary of the
association, adding that repeated appeals to the authorities have yet to
produce a policy decision.
Father Albert T. Rozario of the Dhaka
Archbishop's House said the impact is visible at the parish level,
where attendance is affected by work schedules.
"The main
observances take place on Sunday, but for many, full participation is
not always possible under current conditions," he said.
Community representatives said they are seeking both immediate and long-term responses.
They
called for a one-day holiday by executive order for this year's Easter
on April 5 and for its inclusion in the annual list of public holidays.
Manju
Maria Palma, secretary of Dhaka Credit, said the issue also relates to
access. "For many in formal employment, taking leave is not always
straightforward," she said.
Organisers said they submitted a formal request to the Prime Minister's Office on March 30, outlining the same demands. �"UNB
