Mongla, Feb 5, (V7N) – Communities across the Sundarbans coastal belt gathered Thursday to honor Father Marino Regan, a Catholic missionary remembered for his transformative role in education, culture, and social development in Bangladesh.

At a memorial service held at his tomb in Mongla, speakers described Regan as a pioneer who, beginning in the 1950s, encouraged children to attend school and helped lift generations out of illiteracy. “Mongla cannot be imagined without Father Regan,” said participants, noting his enduring legacy in the region.

The event was organized by St. Paul’s Catholic Church, St. Paul’s High School, Mongla Government College, Father Regan Education Development Foundation, and several civic groups. Subhash Chandra Biswas, president of the foundation, presided, while Lion Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam of the Save the Sundarbans Foundation delivered the keynote address.

Speakers highlighted Regan’s contributions beyond education, including healthcare, women’s self-employment initiatives, and cultural exchange. He translated 48 works of Rabindranath Tagore and 350 songs of mystic bard Lalon Shah into Italian, earning recognition as an “undeclared ambassador” of Bangladesh to Italy. Regan also played a role during the Liberation War, for which he received honorary citizenship and the Liberation War Friendship Award.

The memorial included floral tributes, a cake-cutting ceremony, cultural performances, and a friendly football match. Attendees emphasized that Father Regan’s devotion to humanity, literature, and nature continues to inspire the people of the Sundarbans.

END/AHS/RH/