Christians in Bangladesh face rising insecurity after church attacks, extremist threats, and escalating mob violence. Heightened police deployment and growing fear ahead of Christmas highlight deepening concerns over minority safety and religious freedom.
Fear and uncertainty are growing among Bangladesh’s Christian communities following a series of targeted attacks on churches, educational institutions, and Christian symbols in the capital Dhaka and surrounding regions. Recent incidents, combined with threats from extremist groups and a sharp rise in mob violence nationwide, have heightened concerns ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to a report by Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News, several Christian institutions in Dhaka have been targeted with crude bomb attacks in recent months. On October 8, crude bombs were reportedly hurled at the Holy Rosary Church, triggering panic among worshippers and clergy. Similar explosive devices were thrown at St. Mary’s Cathedral on November 7, followed by attacks on St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School and College the next day.
These attacks have sent shockwaves through the Christian population, prompting authorities to step up security measures across the capital. Police personnel have been deployed at churches, cathedrals, and Christian-run educational institutions to prevent further incidents during the festive season, which traditionally sees large gatherings.
Adding to the anxiety, an extremist group known as Tauhidee Muslim Janata reportedly issued threatening letters last month to Notre Dame College and Holy Cross College, accusing them of engaging in forced religious conversion activities. Christian leaders have strongly denied these allegations, calling them baseless and dangerous.
“This has created a climate of fear ahead of Christmas,” said Father Joyanto S. Gomes, parish priest of Holy Rosary Church, as quoted by UCA News. “There is a palpable sense of insecurity due to the recent trend of mob violence. We now have to think twice before speaking or organizing events.”
Churches across Dhaka have responded by strengthening internal security mechanisms. Many parishes have formed dedicated security committees, installed CCTV cameras, restricted entry points, and coordinated closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of worshippers during Christmas Mass and New Year services.
The growing fear among Christians mirrors a broader pattern of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. A Dhaka-based human rights organization, Ain O Salish Kendra, recorded 128 mob lynchings in 2024—more than double the figure from the previous year. Additionally, at least 111 people were reportedly killed in mob violence during the first seven months of this year alone.
The report further noted that religious minorities, including Ahmadiyya Muslims, Hindu communities, women accused of moral offenses, mystic singers, and Sufi shrines, have increasingly become targets of extremist violence and vigilantism. Analysts warn that the normalization of mob justice is eroding rule of law and deepening communal fault lines.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board has advised Christian-run schools and colleges to remain vigilant during the holiday break. Security protocols have been reviewed, and staff have been instructed to report any suspicious activity immediately.
“We do not want to panic, but vigilance is necessary,” said board secretary Jyoti F. Gomes. “A free and fair election would be good for the country, but there are no guarantees. Uncertainty fuels fear, especially among minorities.”
Christians constitute less than 0.5 percent of Bangladesh’s population of approximately 170 million. Of this small community, around 400,000 are Catholics, while the rest belong to various Protestant denominations. Despite their small numbers, Christians have historically played a significant role in education, healthcare, and social services across the country.
In rural areas, the fear is equally pronounced. Ajay Mree, a Garo Catholic from Tangail district, said local communities have scaled back traditional Christmas celebrations due to safety concerns.
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“In previous years, we sang carols throughout Christmas Eve,” he said. “This year, we will stop in the evening. Police advised us not to sing through the night, fearing an untoward incident.”
Human rights advocates argue that the government must take stronger steps to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable. They warn that failure to curb extremist violence could further marginalize minorities and damage Bangladesh’s reputation as a country known for religious coexistence.
As Christmas approaches, Christian families across Bangladesh are choosing caution over celebration, hoping that heightened security measures will prevent further violence and allow them to observe their faith without fear.
