Photo: Wikipedia / Grentidez (CC)
Just before midnight on November 7th, two improvised explosive devices were thrown at St. Mary's Cathedral in Dhaka. One exploded near the front gate, while the other landed inside the church facility. Thankfully, the second one failed to detonate within the building and no injuries were reported. Despite the attack having occurred only hours before an important event was scheduled to take place – involving the attendance of hundreds of people from across the country – the gathering went ahead as planned.
A few hours later, another homemade bomb exploded inside the compound of a Catholic school in a Dhaka neighbourhood. There were no injuries resulting from the November 8th school attack, and classes resumed the following Monday. A churchgoer who had attended a worship service at St. Mary's Cathedral on Sunday, November 9th, which also proceeded as usual, described their concern over the recently occurring attacks as an "eerie feeling," noting that anxiety has gripped many fellow believers within the congregation.
To date, no group has claimed responsibility for either of the two recently occurring attacks nor provided any explanation as to why the Christian community was targeted. A police spokesperson states, "[Although] we are trying to determine whether the incidents are connected or isolated, they are certainly aimed at terrifying people."
Authorities have since detained a suspect for questioning. The individual has been identified as a member of a student organization linked to the banned Awami League – the political party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from her dictatorship role following mass protests in 2024. In the wake of these recent attacks, members of the police force have increased security at religious sites throughout the capital. For previously published reports addressing Christian persecution in Bangladesh, visit our country profile.
- As members of the Christian community in Dhaka recover from the resulting fear and anxiety of these recent bombing attacks, may God's peace and comfort greatly calm their troubled hearts.
- In addition to praying that justice will prevail in this situation, ask the Lord to work mightily within the hearts of those responsible for carrying out the attacks, ultimately leading them to repentance and eternal salvation.
- Pray for God's continued protection over the churches and Christian schools of Bangladesh; and, in the event of any further threats, that the country's political and spiritual leaders will respond wisely and proactively.
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