4+ week, 3+ hour ago (762+ words) Wednesday November 05, 2025 Prominent Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is likely to visit Bangladesh in late November, a development that has drawn attention from India, where he faces charges of money laundering and hate speech. The Special Branch (SB) of police has granted permission for Naik's gatherings in Dhaka and Pirojpur, according to sources familiar with the matter. This marks a historic moment for his followers, as it would be his first visit to the country." However, the SB has declined permission for proposed gatherings in Chattogram (citing empathisers of Sufism) and Sylhet (due to its proximity to the Indian border). The police noted that the areas of Dhaka and Pirojpur have fewer "empathisers of shrine and Sufism," which holds theological contention with the preacher's viewpoints. India's Ministry of External Affairs has formally expressed concern over Naik's proposed visit to Bangladesh. "Zakir…...

3+ week, 21+ hour ago (234+ words) Sunday November 09, 2025 The Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) has strongly condemned the cocktail attack on the historic St. Mary's Cathedral Church in Ramna, calling the incident "deeply alarming and reprehensible." In a joint statement issued yesterday (8 November), BCA President Nirmol Rozario and General Secretary Hemanto I. Corraya expressed grave concern over the attack, describing it as "a direct assault on the spirit of religious harmony." According to sources, the attack took place around 10:45 pm on Friday, when one crude bomb exploded in front of the church and another was thrown inside. The second explosive, which did not detonate, was later recovered from inside the church by police. The statement recalled a similar attack last month, on October 8, targeting the Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon, and said that two consecutive incidents of violence against major churches within a short time have created fear…...

4+ week, 1+ day ago (267+ words) Friday October 31, 2025 Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Felix Czerny SJ, will visit Bangladesh from 1 to 5 November. During the visit, Cardinal Czerny will meet Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, as well as street children, indigenous people and internally displaced people." He will also hold meetings with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB), members of the CBCB's Justice and Peace Commission, and other Christian and interfaith leaders, according to a press release issued by the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace. His visit, centred on the theme "Raising Hope to Foster a Culture of Care" reflects the Catholic Church's mission to promote justice, peace and dignity for all, especially marginalised communities, including internally displaced persons, climate migrants and refugees. A Jesuit born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Canada, Cardinal Czerny has served the Vatican…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (312+ words) Monday November 10, 2025 The Saudi government has announced that people suffering from severe health conditions or incurable diseases will not be allowed to perform Hajj, said the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In a press release issued today (10 November), the religious affairs ministry said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has instructed all countries sending pilgrims to conduct comprehensive health check-ups and ensure that every pilgrim is medically fit for the pilgrimage. As part of the process, each pilgrim must obtain a health certificate confirming they are free from medical risks that could hinder their participation in Hajj. The certificate must be uploaded to the Nusuk Masar digital platform, said the release. Citing a Saudi directive, the ministry said, pilgrims with non-functioning major organs'such as those undergoing dialysis for kidney failure, suffering from serious heart disease, or lung disease requiring continuous…...

4+ day, 23+ hour ago (364+ words) Wednesday November 26, 2025 A woman in Thailand stunned temple staff after she was found moving inside her coffin moments before cremation, according to a report by Associated Press. The incident took place at Wat Rat Prakhong Tham, a Buddhist temple in Nonthaburi province on the outskirts of Bangkok. The temple shared a video on its official Facebook page showing the woman lying in a white coffin placed in the back of a pickup truck. In the footage, her arms and head can be seen moving slightly, leaving staff astonished and confused. Pairat Soodthoop, the general and financial affairs manager of the temple, told AP on Monday (24 November) that the woman, aged sixty five, had been brought in by her brother from Phitsanulok province for cremation. While staff were discussing the process, they heard faint knocking sounds coming from the coffin. Pairat…...