A senior church leader in Bangladesh has raised concerns about the threat of violence against Christians in Bangladesh.
The intervention came after two churches and a Christian school were attacked with makeshift bombs. Thankfully, no injuries were caused.
The first church attack took place on October 8, the others on November 7.
Tejgaon Church in Dhaka was attacked on October 8. [Image credit: Gaudium Press]
“Christians in Bangladesh are deeply shocked and alarmed by the unprecedented incidents,” said Bejoy N. D’Cruze, a senior church leader in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Police in Dhaka said that the bombings were likely “aimed at terrifying people.”
One churchgoer said that there was an “eerie feeling” within the Christian community on the Sunday following the two most recent incidents. “Anxiety grips many of us while going to church,” he added.
The targeting of Christians comes against the backdrop of wider tensions, with former prime minister Sheik Hasina being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity by a tribunal in Dhaka.
Hasina was found guilty on November 17 and sentenced to death. She remains exiled in India.
Islamists have been emboldened since Hasina was ousted in July 2024.
In May 2025 the Joint-Secretary General of Hefazat-e-Islam, an Islamist coalition, said he was confident of being able to implement sharia (Islamic law) after the next election.
“Everything will be guided by the Quran,” said Mamunul Haque. “We demand death sentences for speaking against Allah, tarnishing the image of the Prophet, and offending Muslims,” Haque said. “There is no room for negotiation in this regard.”
The vote is currently scheduled for February 2026, with Jamaat-e-Islami – an Islamist party that was banned under Hasina’s government – polling at around 30%.
How You Can Pray
Intercede for Christians in Bangladesh who are among the minority groups most at risk from a rise in Islamism. Pray that churches and Christian communities will be protected from violence. Ask that the elections will lead to a government that respects rights and religious freedom for all Bangladeshis.
