The North Bengal Christian Multipurpose Cooperative Society held its fourth annual unity meeting June 17 to address ongoing needs among Christian migrants from the country’s northwest to the capital. About 1,000 mostly Catholic Christians from Rajshahi and Dinajpur attended the meeting, titled Development Initiatives of North Bengal People: Present and Future, which included panel discussions, cultural performances and the distribution of awards to students for academic excellence. Shishir Angelo Rozario, 36, secretary of the society, said the group provides vital support and a sense of community for families relocating from the northwest. “People from north Bengal used to be among the most backward. They formed the society and over time have organized their lives, provided a place of union and eventually fostered development through a credit movement.” Rozario, a Catholic, said the society has 1,200 active members who deposit money and have access to loans to help them achieve financial independence, adding that it “also fosters information exchange” for new arrivals to the capital. Nila Costa, 38, a Catholic doctor and a director of the society, said the cooperative helps migrants find employment. “When we know of organizations recruiting new employees, we pass that information on to unemployed people. Many have found jobs this way.” Uzzal Gomes, 25, is a Catholic graduate student and beneficiary of the cooperative. “After migrating to Dhaka, I was unemployed. Because of my involvement with the society, I received information about employment opportunities and eventually found a job.” Patrick D’Rozario, Holy Cross coadjutor archbishop of Dhaka and guest of honor at the meeting, praised the work of the society and also encouraged them to mature spiritually. “The society has strengthened unity among the people of North Bengal. I hope they will take the next step with mature Christian values and faith.”
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