Spreading Strength and Kindness to Our Neighbors

Fr Jerry Gomes S.J., JRS Bangladesh Project Director 

Part four of our JRS Lenten Reflection series

The Rohingya children served by JRS Bangladesh often face rejection from the host community. While foreign policies push for their repatriation, we are called to support them despite the surrounding negativity. These children do not wish to be part of war or conflict; they dream of a better future. services to oxygen—something invisible yet essential for life. Rohingyas, both within Myanmar and outside their homeland have nowhere to go. The registered refugees generously share food with those who are starting again, having entered Bangladesh in late 2024. The strength and kindness of the Rohingyas to the new arrivals, giving whatever they have, teaches us valuable lessons that the world rarely offers. 

An Invitation for PRAYER 

In Bangladesh, Christians refer to Lent as ‘Tapasyakal’ where ‘kal’ means season. Lent is a time for Tapasya (spiritual effort). Tapasya, meaning “generation of heat and energy,” invites us to draw warmth from Jesus and recharge by staying close to Him. Let’s turn to Jesus to rediscover our identity. 

An Invitation for FASTING 

Another Bengali word ‘Upobash’ goes beyond fasting; it means dwelling near the Master. Let us not run only after personal salvation.

An Invitation for ALMSGIVING 

Take action to serve without expecting anything in return. Be cheerful and generous, enlarging the horizon of our family, especially by serving strangers like refugees.

A highlight on Bangladesh

Due to its proximity to Myanmar, Bangladesh has become a key destination for Rohingya refugees escaping religious and ethnic persecution. In August 2017, around 700,000 Rohingya men, women, and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek refuge in Bangladesh. The military coup in Myanmar in 2021 further exacerbated the vulnerability of the Rohingya. Today, around one million Rohingya have taken refuge in Bangladesh, most of them residing in Cox’s Bazar. In the past six years, over 200,000 children have been born in the camps. Rohingya families are extremely vulnerable, with many adolescents having spent the majority of their lives in refugee camps. Since 2018, JRS Bangladesh has been working in partnership with Caritas Bangladesh to support Rohingya children and adolescents. Through multi-purpose centres, JRS offers essential services, including mental health and psychosocial support, as well as reconciliation initiatives designed to promote a culture of peace.