Faith To Endure
Threats and persecution against Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) in Bangladesh have surged following the uprisings after the International War Crimes Tribunal sentenced Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison on Feb. 5, 2013.
Mollah’s conviction for his crimes, during the 1971 war that led to the country's break from Pakistan, angered the numerous civilians who had called for a death sentence. Yet, the Islamic-based political party Jamaat-e-Islami demanded Mollah's release. They accused the incumbent government of harboring a political agenda in view of the General Elections slated for 2014.
As a result of the uprisings, the nation’s minority Christians, especially MBBs, have been targeted.
Ekramul, a former Muslim, was one such Christian. While returning to his home in Balapara village, more than 100 Muslims blocked his way. When asked why he was not at the mosque for the Jumma Jamat (Friday noon prayer), Ekramul responded that he was a Christian. The enraged the mob began beating him. When his wife rushed to help him, she was beaten as well. They then stole his rickshaw van, his only source of income.
Mazedul, another former Muslim, was forced out of his home in the same village by his Muslim relatives. "Mazedul's uncles, cousins, and brothers came to his home and told him that he couldn't live with them anymore because he was a Christian," said an Open Doors contact.
Threats and persecution against Muslim Background Believers (MBBs) in Bangladesh have surged following the uprisings after the International War Crimes Tribunal sentenced Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison on Feb. 5, 2013.
Mollah’s conviction for his crimes, during the 1971 war that led to the country's break from Pakistan, angered the numerous civilians who had called for a death sentence. Yet, the Islamic-based political party Jamaat-e-Islami demanded Mollah's release. They accused the incumbent government of harboring a political agenda in view of the General Elections slated for 2014.
As a result of the uprisings, the nation’s minority Christians, especially MBBs, have been targeted.
Ekramul, a former Muslim, was one such Christian. While returning to his home in Balapara village, more than 100 Muslims blocked his way. When asked why he was not at the mosque for the Jumma Jamat (Friday noon prayer), Ekramul responded that he was a Christian. The enraged the mob began beating him. When his wife rushed to help him, she was beaten as well. They then stole his rickshaw van, his only source of income.
Mazedul, another former Muslim, was forced out of his home in the same village by his Muslim relatives. "Mazedul's uncles, cousins, and brothers came to his home and told him that he couldn't live with them anymore because he was a Christian," said an Open Doors contact.
One With Them
Open Doors is helping both families build new lives in a different area, and have arranged for a new rickshaw van for Ekramul. Stand One With Christians in Bangladesh as they come face-to-face with persecution for their faith? Pray for them as they face pressure and assaults, that they would endure with steadfast faith.
Open Doors is helping both families build new lives in a different area, and have arranged for a new rickshaw van for Ekramul. Stand One With Christians in Bangladesh as they come face-to-face with persecution for their faith? Pray for them as they face pressure and assaults, that they would endure with steadfast faith.
2013.06.18
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your world with all boldness…
(Acts 4:29)
(Acts 4:29)
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