Three Christians were among six people injured in northern Bangladesh as a 200-strong mob of Muslim extremists attacked religious sites including a Christian cemetery.
The attack occurred near the village of Sanka Christian Para, Dinajpur District, Rangpur Division, on Sunday 19 April.
Residents report that the attack, at around 1pm, was led by Rezaul Islam, from the village of Ghoraband, and his uncle Azad. The group was attempting by force to occupy land traditionally used by indigenous communities.
Police investigate after the attack on a Christian cemetery and Hindu temple on 19 April [Image credit: AsiaNews]
The attackers cut down a dozen trees in the cemetery, as well as vandalising a Hindu temple using sticks, iron bars and sharp weapons and damaging a nearby house.
When residents tried to intervene they were beaten, with six of them – three Christians and three Hindus – sustaining injuries. Two required hospital treatment.
The police responded by dispersing the attackers, then deployed some additional patrols to prevent further violence. Two of the attackers have been arrested.
The head of the Birganj police station, Saiful Islam, confirmed that the dispute concerns ownership of land.
The officer added that the Christian and Hindu tribal families insist that they have lived on the land for generations, while Rezaul Islam’s claim to ownership was recent.
Antony Murmu, head of the village of Sanka, commented, “This cemetery has been used by our Christian community for at least 80 years. The government must guarantee our security. No one should be allowed to occupy this cemetery.”
Bangladesh is 90% Muslim and illegal land grabs against Christians and Hindus (1% and 9% of the population, respectively) are particularly prevalent.
Those who are not from the majority Bengali ethnic group are particularly vulnerable. In 2016, as many as 6,000 Santal Christians from a village in Gaibandah District, also in Rangpur Division, were forcibly evicted by police, aided by local Muslims. Their homes were ransacked and burned to the ground.
How you can pray
Pray for protection for Christians and other minorities in Bangladesh against illegal and violent attempts to claim land. Ask that the authorities will rigorously apply the law to prevent such land seizures. Give thanks for the police intervention and pray for recovery for those injured.
