Bangladesh (MNN) — Restoring law and order is a priority for Bangladesh’s new caretaker government following last week’s ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On Sunday, officials said they were working to resolve attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities.
Victory march by protesters after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Hasina fled to India after weeks of student-led protests descended into violence. Scott Clifton with FARMS International says the government collapse paved the way for chaos.
“It provided an opportunity for Muslim fundamentalists to reign the land,” Clifton says. “There’s general lawlessness; these fundamentalists have free reign, and they’ve targeted minority groups, so Hindus have been targeted. Christians have been targeted as well.”
Hundreds of radical Muslims raided the property of FARMS’ primary contact in Bangladesh and took his employees hostage. Inventory losses totaled roughly $30,000.
“Our contact had his businesses completely looted,” Clifton says.
“Stolen livestock, stolen fish from fish ponds – that was money to support orphans and ministry efforts.”
FARMS’ contact tells Clifton he’s hopeful that interim PM Muhammad Yunus will restore security so believers can emerge from hiding.
“They’re fearful for their lives. They’re sheltered at home; they’ve locked every gate,” Clifton says.
“They limit communication because they’re not sure what’s monitored or not, and they’re just living in fear, praying moment by moment for protection.”
No matter what comes next, FARMS’ contact and his family are trusting in God’s faithful presence. Ask the Lord to deliver these believers from the hand of their enemy.
Header image depicts protestors in Bangladesh on August 2, 2024. (Wikimedia Commons)
