“My God is my rock and shield, from violent people you save me.”
After the resignation of the Prime Minister in Bangladesh, knife-wielding Islamic extremists are threatening Christians and marking their homes with crosses, Face Wire recently reported. The Christian Solidarity International (CSI), a persecution watchdog group, warns that recent events in Bangladesh could pose serious risks to Christians and other minority religious people.
Following weeks of violent protests demanding reforms to the government officer quota system and a harsh crackdown by authorities, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India on August 5. In her absence, the military has established a transitional government. Joel Veldkamp, the international communications director for CSI, stated, “Since then, riots have erupted across Bangladesh, and Muslim-organized mobs have targeted Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists.”
The turmoil is considered a serious problem in that Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country. Bangladesh has an overwhelmingly Muslim population, but Veldkamp said it has a “long history of secularism and tolerance,” adding that “the overthrow of the government has increased the likelihood of spreading of violence of Islamist and jihadist more widely.”
Veldkamp explained the urgent situation in which CSI’s project collaborator was recently forced to leave Bangladesh. The collaborator literally had to flee to save his life. About five days after the transitional government was formed, Islamic extremists flocked to his house and threatened his wife and him with swords and guns.
They said, “From now on, it will be a 100 % Muslim country, and there is no room for Hindus and Christians. You must leave,” so the collaborator left Bangladesh. While he was on the run, he said he saw houses of other Christians in his neighbourhood marked with crosses.
This was for the extremists to identify where Christians lived and to attack them later. He also said he saw people being attacked and killed on the streets, and the scenes were “unforgettable.” Dozens of churches were bombed, and all Christian schools were closed. And Hindu temples were also attacked across Bangladesh.
“Muslims are threatening teachers to wear hijabs that women should wear under Islamic law,” Veldkamp said. “It’s a very concerning atmosphere right now.” The situation is getting more complicated as police and teachers are also being replaced by members of Islamic extremist groups. (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper)
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:3-4)
God, I ask You to rebuke the evil intentions of Islamic extremists who exploit political unrest to impose religious oppression and attempt to turn Bangladesh into a strictly Muslim state. Put an end to their violence and threats swiftly. Be a refuge and shield for Christians facing harm from swords and guns, empowering them to remain steadfast in their faith and serve as vessels to share the life-giving message of the gospel, even amid persecution. Let the light of the gospel pierce the spiritual darkness surrounding these extremists, leading them to encounter the God of salvation. Transform their hearts so they may be restored as Your people, singing praises to the God who alone is worthy.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
