Are Christians in Bangladesh Seeking Protection Amid Rising Attacks?
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Synopsis
As violence against minorities, particularly Christians, escalates in Bangladesh, families are demanding safety from authorities. With a backdrop of land disputes and recent assaults, their calls for justice highlight the growing concerns over religious freedom in the nation. This report investigates the troubling rise in violence and the urgent pleas for protection.
Key Takeaways
- Governance issues have led to a rise in violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
- Minority families are actively seeking government protection following multiple attacks.
- Land disputes are fueling tensions between Christian and Muslim communities.
- Local authorities are working to address the issues but face significant challenges.
- The climate of fear among minorities calls for urgent action and awareness.
Dhaka, Jan 7 (NationPress) The governance in Bangladesh has seen a significant decline in functionality since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took over after the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League administration, resulting in a rise in assaults against minority groups, particularly Hindus and Christians, according to a report released on Wednesday.
A collection of minority families in predominantly Muslim Bangladesh is currently appealing for protection from authorities after sustaining attacks from local Muslims following the celebration of Christmas.
“On January 1, five Catholic families from Tetulia village – associated with St. Francis Xavier Church in the Satkhira district of southern Bangladesh – formed a human chain, reporting they were assaulted at least four times by local Muslims over the past year,” the report from the Catholic news source Crux indicated.
“We were assaulted immediately after Christmas. We are merely five minority Christian families residing here. Around 50 individuals attacked us with makeshift weapons,” Sabuj Goldar, a local Catholic, stated.
Goldar alleged that the Christian community had faced attacks at least four times throughout the previous year, expressing, “We may be a minority, but we are citizens of this nation. Why shouldn't we receive justice? We seek safety from the government; we wish to live without fear.”
The report noted that disputes over land ownership between Christian families and some local Muslim families have been ongoing and remain unresolved in court.
“The Catholics are experiencing issues with locals regarding a piece of land. This dispute led to the assaults on Catholic families after Christmas. We are attempting to address the matter by engaging with local political figures,” a religious educator from a nearby village shared with Crux.
The affected Christian families lamented that although schools distributed learning materials to students at the start of the year, the local aggressors hindered students from attending classes on January 1.
Local police officer Jahangir Hossain confirmed the incident, acknowledging that efforts are underway to resolve the issue at both local and administrative levels.
A report from last December by the Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News emphasized that concerns among Bangladesh's Christian communities have intensified following a series of attacks on Christian institutions in Dhaka over recent months.
The report detailed that crude bombs were thrown at Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka on October 8. Similar explosives were targeted at St. Mary’s Cathedral on November 7 and at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College the following day.
In early November 2025, an extremist group in Bangladesh named Tauhidee Muslim Janata issued threats to Notre Dame College and Holy Cross College, accusing them of engaging in activities related to religious conversion.
“This has cultivated a climate of fear as Christmas approaches. There is a tangible sense of anxiety due to the recent pattern of mob aggression. We must think carefully before voicing our opinions,” stated Father Joyanto S. Gomes, the parish priest of Holy Rosary Church
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the delicate balance between religious freedom and societal harmony. The ongoing conflicts highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to justice and protection, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their faith, can coexist peacefully.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent attacks on Christians in Bangladesh?
The recent attacks on Christians in Bangladesh have been attributed to a mix of ongoing land disputes and rising tensions between local Muslim communities and minority Christian families.
How are local authorities responding to the violence?
Local authorities, including police, have acknowledged the incidents and are working to resolve the conflicts through both community engagement and administrative channels.
What is the historical context of religious tensions in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has a complex history of religious tensions, often rooted in socio-political issues, which have led to sporadic violence against minority communities.
What can be done to improve the safety of minority communities in Bangladesh?
Improving safety for minority communities requires a multi-faceted approach, including stronger legal protections, community dialogue, and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Are there any international responses to the situation in Bangladesh?
International human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, advocating for greater protections and accountability from the government.
