Banned dowry practices that still continue, land grabs and alcoholism were among issues indigenous Bangladeshi Catholics discussed at a recent meeting. Representatives of Thakurgaon, Ruhea and Nijpara parishes in the northwest met July 8 in an attempt to solve these problems faced by the mainly indigenous Catholics in their areas. “Last month, I refused to celebrate a wedding as the groom’s family were demanding a huge dowry from the bride,” said Father Anthony Sen from Thakurgaon parish. “Later the groom gave up the demand and only then did I bless the marriage.” The dowry system, in which the groom’s family demands money and valuables from the bride’s family, is now banned in Bangladesh. Brides sometimes faced torture from the groom’s family if the dowry was deemed insufficient. The practice still persists in some areas, however. “I know of parents who sold their properties and livestock to pay for their daughter’s dowry,” said Bharati Das, a housewife from Ruhea parish. “Their financial condition became miserable after that.” Priests have continuously stressed their rejection of this practice. “We tell people the dowry system is very bad. They have to give up it forever,” Father Sen told ucanews.com. Land grabbers who try to force out indigenous Catholics from their lands are another problem, said Stephan Marandi, an indigenous Santal. Fraudulent land owners also cheat people by selling lands they do not possess. Later, locals face problems when other parties claim the same land or file cases against them. Meeting participants said they plan to build awareness of land issues among illiterate Catholics. Alcoholism is another issue which has caused family disputes and even deaths, participants said. “We’ve decided that from now on, the production, sale and consumption of alcohol in the parishes will be strictly prohibited,” Aloysius Murmu from Nijpara told ucanews.com. Related reports Catholics join fight against land grabbers Activists want probe into attacks on Catholics Muslim attacks send Catholics into a panic BA10395.1610