Dhaka: Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, concluded a five-day pastoral visit to Bangladesh, focusing on migrants and displaced Catholics under the theme “Raising Hope to Foster a Culture of Care.” From November 1–5, he met with internally displaced Catholics near Dhaka and visited Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, highlighting urgent issues surrounding migration, poverty, and social justice.
Bangladesh hosts roughly 50,000 internally displaced Catholics in Dhaka and Narayanganj, many of whom have left their villages in search of better livelihoods, often working in factories under difficult conditions. On November 2, Cardinal Czerny celebrated Mass with over 600 faithful in Modonpur, Narayanganj, offering encouragement and spiritual support.
“You are poor, but you gather to worship God,” he told the congregation. “As you pray, God will answer your prayers. You will be blessed.”
For Sujon Das, 28, a machine operator, the visit was profoundly moving. Despite a demanding night shift schedule, he attended Mass, recalling past hardships including the arson of his church during political unrest in August 2024. Father Ajit Victor Costa, who ministers in the area, noted that migration is often driven by necessity, with families seeking stable employment and basic survival.
During his homily, Czerny lauded those serving migrants and refugees: “Communities that welcome migrants can be a living witness to hope a promise of a present and future where the dignity of all as children of God is recognized.”
On November 3, Cardinal Czerny visited Cox’s Bazar, home to nearly 1.1 million Rohingya refugees, the largest refugee settlement in the world. Touring Caritas Bangladesh’s humanitarian programs, he expressed concern over decreasing global support.
“The situation is very difficult, with funding cuts and less attention from the world,” he said. “All organizations Christian and others must respond to real needs and continue to support those who suffer.”
He reassured the Rohingya of the Church’s enduring commitment: “I hope one day you can return safely to your homeland and live in peace and dignity.” Refugees, including Abdul Rahman (pseudonym), expressed gratitude for Caritas Bangladesh’s continued care in providing shelter, clean water, sanitation, and hope even when the world’s attention fades. Children welcomed the cardinal with songs and drawings, inspiring him as a sign of hope and life.
On November 4, Czerny inaugurated the 50th anniversary of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of Bangladesh, commending its efforts in human rights, child protection, climate change, migration, and anti-trafficking work. He also visited children in rehabilitation centers, orphanages, and migrant shelters, urging them to think about how they can serve others.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by both communities, Czerny emphasized: “For those in the camps, being stateless, unemployed, and confined for years is intolerable. The international community has not been able to provide a solution to the Rohingya crisis, and that needs to change.”
The cardinal’s visit reinforced the Church’s mission to accompany marginalized communities. “The Holy Spirit sends us to others,” he reminded the faithful. Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka praised Czerny’s pastoral visit, expressing confidence that it will strengthen the Church’s commitment to inclusive human development and inspire ongoing efforts to support the most vulnerable.
The five-day visit left a profound impact on both displaced Catholics and Rohingya refugees, bringing a message of hope, solidarity, and renewed faith in the face of adversity.