The minority Christian community of Bangladesh is among those at risk from the political unrest that has swept across the country.
A Barnabas Aid contact has reported that Christian schools have been attacked, along with homes belonging to Christians and other religious minorities, and Hindu temples.
These attacks have been carried out by Islamist extremists who have joined with the anti-government protestors.
Protestors stormed the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hassina in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, after her resignation. [Image credit: Md Joni Hossain]
Our contact reports that leaders of the student protest movement and military leaders have called on local authorities to provide greater protection for Christians and Hindus from mob violence.
The student-led protests began peacefully on July 1, 2024, but turned violent around two weeks later. On August 5, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country after 15 years in power. The following day it was announced that economist Muhammad Yunus would replace Hasina as leader of an interim government.
Christians are a small minority in Muslim-majority Bangladesh, representing less than 1% of the population.
Pray for a peaceful solution to the civil and political unrest in Bangladesh. Ask that extremists will not have further opportunities to attack minority groups, and that the Lord will especially protect Christians from harm.
