Catholic educators in Bangladesh are acting with caution as Dhaka braces for potential political violence linked to pending tribunal actions against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The International Crime Tribunal is set to “announce the date of the first verdict in the ongoing case of crimes against humanity against Hasina” on Nov. 13, according to Catholic News Agency (CNA). Hasina, ousted in August 2024 following a student-led uprising, fled to India on Aug. 5 after widespread protests that left “around 1,400 people” dead in July, according to a United Nations report.
In the days leading up to the tribunal’s announcement, the situation in Dhaka has grown increasingly volatile. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali reported that “at least 17 homemade bomb explosions have taken place in 15 locations, and nine vehicles have been set on fire.” Ali added that “a group whose activities are banned and their associates are trying to carry out political activities from hiding, creating panic in the public.”
With the ousted Awami League calling for a citywide blockade on social media, several Catholic institutions are moving swiftly to protect students. Notre Dame University, the only university run by the Catholic Church in Bangladesh, announced that all Thursday examinations will be canceled and classes moved online. Notre Dame College, one of the nation’s most respected Catholic institutions—has suspended examinations as well. St. Joseph’s International School has closed its campus for the day after a crude bomb detonated near its entrance on Nov. 8.
Although the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board Trust has not issued a universal directive, many campuses are independently shifting to closures or online learning. “We have not given any instructions on behalf of the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board Trust (BCEBT), but the authorities of the institutions have decided to close the educational institutions or take classes online, taking into account the safety of the students,” said BCEBT secretary Jyoti F. Gomes. He added, “No one knows what will happen in the political situation of the country tomorrow, so the safety of the students comes first.”
Catholic institutions play a major role in Bangladesh’s education system. The BCEBT oversees one university, 18 colleges, 80 secondary schools, and nearly 1,000 primary and pre-primary schools, serving approximately 300,000 students, “mostly Muslims”, each year.
As Catholic educators in Bangladesh work to safeguard children during this period of unrest, this moment underscores the extraordinary importance of safe, reliable, and accessible Catholic education worldwide.
For families facing violence, instability, or school closures, the mission of Catholic Online School—to provide 100% free, faithful Catholic education to every student, everywhere—has never been more vital.
With more than 200,000 students enrolled globally, Catholic Online School stands as a stable, always-open learning environment for children who may suddenly lose access to their classrooms, whether because of war, political riots, natural disasters, or poverty.
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