The Dhaka Archbishop, Bejoy ND Cruze, expressed deep concern over the recent detonation of crude bombs at two church compounds and a prominent Christian school. He emphasized the shock and alarm felt by Christians in Bangladesh due to these unprecedented events. In a statement, Archbishop Bejoy urged the government to swiftly take legal action against the individuals responsible for the attacks.
Highlighting the need for enhanced security measures, Archbishop Bejoy called upon authorities to ensure the safety of Christians and followers of all faiths so they can worship without fear. One of the explosions occurred at the entrance of St Mary’s Cathedral Church, where remnants of the blast are still visible. Law enforcement officials discovered an unexploded crude bomb in the church’s garden following the incident.
On a separate occasion, crude bombs detonated at St Joseph’s Higher Secondary School in Asad Gate, Mohammadpur, around 2:00 am on November 8. Just a month prior, the Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon experienced a similar attack on October 8. The Archbishop condemned the incidents, particularly the one at the Holy Rosary Church, considering its significance as one of the country’s oldest Christian institutions.
Archbishop Bejoy emphasized the valuable contributions of the Christian community to Bangladesh and their dedication to peace and national prosperity. He recalled the 2001 bombing at Baniarchor Church in Gopalganj, which resulted in the deaths of 10 Christians and injuries to 26 others, noting that justice has yet to be fully served in that case.
Concerned about the recent attacks, Archbishop Bejoy warned of the potential for further violence if the perpetrators are not swiftly identified and brought to justice. He stressed the importance of a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents and to ensure the security of the minority Christian community in Bangladesh.