Former producer of Radio Veritas Asia-Bengali Service dies

A Bangladeshi Catholic media personality and former producer of Radio Veritas Asia's Bengali Service died on June 5 due to complications brought about by cancer. He was 75.

Father Sunil Daniel Rozario was a well-known media personality within the Church of Bangladesh.

Rozario was also former director of the Christian Communication Center in Luxmibazar. He served the Bengali service of Radio Veritas Asia and the weekly publication “Pratibeshi” for many years.

He was born on January 8, 1950, in the village of Parborni under the Borni Parish. His father was Victor Rozario, and his mother was Agnes Gomes.

After completing his primary school, he entered the seminary. Upon completing his seminary studies, he was ordained a priest on January 4, 1981.

He later served two terms—totaling seven years—as producer for the Bengali service of Radio Veritas Asia in the Philippines. Additionally, he served as the director of the Christian Communication Center from 1991 to 1998.

He had an excellent command of writing. His pen bore golden fruit in every field he touched. He was highly skilled in writing essays, plays, songs, and news.

He served with dedication in various parishes of the Church in Bangladesh, including Gulta, Mohipara, and Bogura, where he fulfilled his duties as parish priest.

He also held the position of director of Radio Jyoti, the online radio station of the Rajshahi Diocese, based in Bogura. During this time, he published Bible-based radio dramas titled Jibon Bani and a children’s drama collection, Kakoli, in book form.

For Online Radio Jyoti, he contributed unique content for programs such as Jubo Kollol, Onneshon & Nursing Home, Church News, Today’s Media, International Survey, and Women's World. Later, while staying at the Rajshahi Christo Jyoti Pastoral Center, he oversaw Online Radio Jyoti; he also served as assistant parish priest at Musrail Parish.

Rosario was one of the few who made remarkable contributions to Catholic liturgical music in Bangladesh.

One of the lay leaders, Rafaiel Gomes, described Rozario as a "true human who had a great sense of media communication."

"He was so creative in the production, direction, and presentation of radio programs. He designed many new programs for Radio Veritas Asia—Bengali Service," said Gomes.

On his passing, the bishop, priests, brothers, sisters, and Christian faithful of the Rajshahi Diocese extend their deepest condolences to his family.

In particular, the Bengali service of Radio Veritas Asia prays for the eternal peace of the beloved father’s soul. May God grant eternal rest to this devoted servant of His.