Bangladesh Christian Group Raises Concern over Attacks on Christians in India’s West Bengal

The Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA), a Christian rights organization in Bangladesh, has expressed concern over reported attacks and harassment targeting Christian communities in neighboring India’s West Bengal state and urged authorities to ensure the protection of religious minorities.

In a statement, BCA President Nirmol Rozario and General Secretary Hemanta Corraya cited reports of attacks on churches, threats against Christians, alleged attempts to force religious conversions, property disputes, and disruptions of prayer gatherings in several districts of West Bengal, a state in eastern India bordering Bangladesh.

According to the BCA, incidents were reported in districts including South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and Bankura. The organization said a church in Subhas village in South 24 Parganas was allegedly damaged after a cross was broken and church property was vandalized. It also cited reports of threats against a Christian widow in Murshidabad and the disruption of prayer meetings in Bankura, where Bibles were allegedly taken and worshippers detained. A church in Sonapur, also in South 24 Parganas, was reportedly attacked.

“We are saddened and pained by what is happening to the Christian community in West Bengal,” Rozario told RVA News. “We do not expect communal persecution of Christians in a large democratic country like India.”

The BCA questioned how such incidents could take place in a country whose Constitution upholds secular principles and called on Indian authorities to investigate the reports and take action against those responsible.

“We strongly urge the Indian government to stand by the persecuted Christians of West Bengal, investigate these incidents thoroughly, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Rozario said. “An environment should be created where Christians can live and practice their faith without fear.”

Rozario said the BCA had previously raised concerns over violence against Christians in India, including during the ethnic conflict in Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, in recent years.

He added that if the situation does not improve, the association would consider organizing a protest in Dhaka and submitting a memorandum to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

The BCA president also appealed for greater respect and harmony among religious communities, saying that minority communities exist in countries across the world and should be allowed to practice their faith peacefully.

“Peaceful and harmonious relationships should be strengthened with Christian minorities in India,” he said.

The BCA also called for protection and assistance for affected families and churches, including compensation for damaged property.

Christian organizations across South Asia have repeatedly emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and the protection of religious freedom for all communities.