[Today’s Prayer] Bangladesh, Islamic extremists threaten Christians after interim government; crosses are marked on Christian houses

In Bangladesh, after the prime minister resigned, knife-wielding Islamic extremists were threatening Christians and marking their homes with crosses, Faithwire recently reported.

Persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity International (CSI) warns that recent events in Bangladesh pose a grave risk to Christians and other religious minorities.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on May 5 and fled to India after weeks of bloody, demanding reforms to civil service quotas and a government crackdown, leading the military to form a transitional government.

“Then, over the next week, riots broke out across Bangladesh, with Hindus, Christians and Buddhists attacked by mobs organized by Islamist groups,” said Joel Veldkamp, CSI's international communications director.

“The collaborator literally had to run for his life,” said Veldkamp. “About five days after the interim government was formed, Islamic extremists came to his house. They were threatening him and his wife with knives and guns, saying, 'From now on, it will be a 100 percent Muslim country, there will be no room for Hindus and Christians. You have to leave.' So he left.”

As he fled, he said he saw other Christian homes in his neighborhood marked with crosses, a move the extremists used to identify Christian neighborhoods for later attacks.

He also witnessed people being attacked and killed in the streets, scenes he said were “unforgettable”.

He fled on foot in a very dangerous situation and did not have much money in his hand, but fortunately he is now safe and is currently trying to reconnect with his partners in Bangladesh.

Hindu temples were also attacked across Bangladesh, dozens of churches were bombed and all Christian schools were closed.

“It's a very worrying atmosphere right now,” said Veldkamp, adding that Muslims are threatening teachers by forcing them to wear the hijab, which is what women are required to wear under Islamic law.

The situation is becoming more complicated as police officers and teachers are also being replaced by members of Islamic extremist groups.

Source : News

But I pray to you, LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. (Psalm 69:13)

Praise be to you, Father, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

As Bangladesh has been torn apart in the past few weeks by bloody protests demanding reforms to the civil service quota system and a heavy-handed government crackdown, we hear that Islamic extremists are terrorizing Christians.

Have mercy on the souls of Bangladesh, where many young people have died in bloody protests and government repression.

Lord, who answers prayer, save the souls of Bangladesh with many mercies and saving truths, and make it a nation ruled by You and not by the rule of this earth.

As the situation continues to be complicated by the fact that police and teachers are being replaced by members of Islamic extremist groups, we trust that as the global church prays together, the Lord will rule the country with His justice and bring the people of Bangladesh to Himself.