Christians in Dhaka Alarmed After Series of Attacks on Churches and School

Three attacks in just one month have shaken Dhaka’s Christian community, raising fears ahead of Advent and Christmas celebrations. Homemade bombs exploded near St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph’s School and College on November 7–8, following an earlier attack on Tejgaon Catholic Church on October 9.

On November 7, around 10:30 p.m., a crude bomb detonated near St. Mary’s Cathedral in central Dhaka. The next day, Catholics gathered at the cathedral for the Jubilee of Christ’s Birth 2025, but attendance was visibly low. “Many Catholics avoided the event for security reasons,” said Hemanta Corraya, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Christian Association.

Corraya, a veteran development worker and Director of Basic Development Partners, urged Christians to take extra precautions. “The general election is scheduled for February. Political groups opposed to the polls may try to create instability by targeting minorities,” he told RVA.

He expressed deep concern over the recent attacks. “Christians are worried. Three attacks on churches and a church-run school in one month, even without major damage, are alarming. We want justice. We are peaceful and do not engage in political conflicts,” he said.

Corraya lamented what he called a “culture of impunity” in Bangladesh. Past incidents, such as the 2001 bombing of Baniarchar Catholic Church in Gopalganj and the 2016 murder of Catholic grocer Sunil Gomes in Natore, remain unresolved. “We never got justice for those cases. That makes us hopeless now,” he added.

The fear is palpable as Christmas approaches. “I request the government to ensure security for our community so we can prepare for Advent and Christmas,” Corraya said. Christians are planning a demonstration to protest the attacks.

Bangladesh is home to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. While attacks on Hindu temples occur more frequently, assaults on Christians are rare. “Three attacks in one month are deeply worrying. It is a direct blow to religious harmony,” said Nirmol Rozario, president of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council. He suspects the attacks may aim to draw international attention ahead of Christmas. “Whatever the motive, it is a crime that disrupts security and communal harmony. Those responsible must be punished. Elections should be fair, and these incidents must be taken seriously,” Rozario emphasized.

Police are investigating whether the attacks were politically motivated. “Detectives are working from various angles to catch those responsible. Additional security has been deployed at sensitive locations,” said Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of Ramna Police Station.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a suspect linked to the recent explosions. Initial reports identify him as a 28-year-old member of a banned faction of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League. The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing confirmed on November 10 that the suspect is being interrogated regarding multiple incidents, including the blasts near St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph’s School.

DMP, in coordination with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has intensified operations to apprehend all involved in what authorities call “heinous and cowardly violence.” Security has been tightened at churches and other religious institutions across Dhaka.

The interim government reiterated its commitment to protecting interfaith harmony. “Any attempt to disrupt religious coexistence will be met with the full force of the law,” the Press Wing stated.

For Dhaka’s Christians, however, fear lingers. As Advent approaches, their prayers for peace and justice grow louder.