Bring Piero's attackers to book
Local people formed a human chain in front of Dinajpur Press Club in the district town yesterday, demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the culprits who attacked Piero Parolari, 57, an Italian doctor and pastor, on November 18 in the town.
People from all walks of life, including foreigners, took part in the hour-long programme organised by North Bengal Christian Association, a platform of Christian communities, around 11:00am.
The participants condemned the recent attacks on foreigners in Bangladesh.
Later, they held a press conference at the press club where Robert RN Das, member secretary of the association, read out the keynote.
They condemned the attack on Piero Parolari and pastor Luke Sarker of Ishwardi upazila in Pabna district and urged the government to bring the attackers to book immediately.
They also condemned the death threats on many pastors across the country.
The speakers at the press conference announced different programmes to protest the attacks on Christian community in Bangladesh in recent months.
As per the programme, they will hold candle lighting at churches and prayers on November 29.
The following day, the Christian people will observe work abstention, wearing black badges. They will also keep outdoor service of hospitals closed and hang banners in front of their respective institutions across the northern region in the country.
Sister Titina D Souza and Father Gianito Nitti said they are here, spreading the messages of peace. But the attack on them was unjust. They think that the government will act properly for their protection and find out the attackers.
Dr Piero Parolari was shot in the back of his head near the BRTC bus terminal in the townwhen he was riding a bicycle towards Dinajpur Medical College Hospital on November 18, said witnesses.
The same day, he was taken to CMH in Dhaka by a helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force.
Bijoy Toppo, a member of the committee, said health condition of Dr Piero has improved much.
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