Why Are Christians in Bangladesh Facing Increased Insecurity?
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Synopsis
A worrying trend emerges as Bangladesh's Christians grapple with heightened fears amidst a surge in attacks on their institutions. This situation raises significant concerns for the safety of this minority community as they approach the festive season.
Key Takeaways
- Heightened Fear: Recent attacks have created significant anxiety among Christians.
- Increased Security: Authorities have deployed police to safeguard places of worship.
- Community Preparedness: Churches are implementing security measures like CCTV surveillance.
- Rising Violence: Mob lynchings and violence against minorities have surged.
- Minority Rights: Ongoing threats highlight the need for vigilance and protection of minority communities.
Dhaka, Dec 26 (NationPress) The anxiety among the Christian populace in Bangladesh has intensified following a wave of assaults on their places of worship in Dhaka in recent months, as reported on Friday.
To thwart any potential incidents during the Christmas and New Year festivities, law enforcement has been stationed at churches throughout the capital.
A report from Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News details that on October 8, crude explosives were hurled at Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka. Similar attacks occurred at St. Mary’s Cathedral on November 7 and St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College the next day.
Last month, an extremist faction in Bangladesh, known as ‘Tauhidee Muslim Janata’, sent threatening letters to Notre Dame College and Holy Cross College, accusing them of engaging in religious conversion.
“The recent trend of mob violence has instilled a climate of fear ahead of Christmas. We find ourselves second-guessing our words,” said Father Joyanto S. Gomes, the parish priest of Holy Rosary Church, according to UCA news.
The report indicates that the trepidation of prospective attacks pervades the Christian community. Gomes mentioned that churches across Dhaka have formed security committees and installed CCTV systems to safeguard worshippers as they prepare for the holiday services.
In addressing the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, the report cites Dhaka-based rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra, which documented 128 mob lynchings in 2024—more than double from the previous year. It also reported that 111 individuals fell victim to mob violence in the first seven months of this year, with various religious minorities, including Ahmadiyyas, women, mystic singers, and Sufi shrines, being targets.
The Bangladesh Catholic Education Board has urged schools to maintain vigilance during the holiday season.
“While we aim to avoid panic, we cannot afford to be complacent. A fair election would benefit the nation, but there are no guarantees,” said board secretary Jyoti F. Gomes.
Christians constitute a small minority in Bangladesh, making up less than 0.5% of the nation’s approximately 170 million residents, with around 400,000 identifying as Catholics and the remainder as Protestants.
Ajay Mree, a Garo Catholic from the Tangail district, expressed that communities have scaled back their celebrations due to safety issues.
“In previous years, we celebrated Christmas Eve with carols all night. This year, we will finish early. Police have cautioned us against singing late into the night due to safety concerns,” he remarked.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the principles of freedom of religion and expression. The rising insecurity faced by Christians in Bangladesh demands national attention and a united response to ensure the safety and rights of all communities.
NationPress
27/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent events have increased fears among Christians in Bangladesh?
Recent attacks on Christian institutions, including bombings and threats from extremist groups, have heightened concerns for the safety of the community.
What measures are being taken to protect Christians during the holiday season?
Police have been deployed at churches, and many places of worship have established security committees and installed CCTV to enhance safety.
How significant is the Christian population in Bangladesh?
Christians represent less than 0.5% of Bangladesh's approximately 170 million people, with about 400,000 being Catholics.
What historical context contributes to the current situation?
The report indicates a troubling increase in mob violence against not only Christians but also various religious minorities in Bangladesh.
What impact have these events had on community celebrations?
Communities have curtailed their Christmas festivities due to safety concerns, with some avoiding traditional celebrations.
