Bangladesh Christians protest attacks on Indian churches, demand protection of religious minorities

Dhaka, July 23, 2026: Christians in Bangladesh have staged a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Christians in India, condemning recent attacks on churches and Christian communities in West Bengal and calling on the Indian government to protect religious minorities and ensure justice.

Organised by the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA), the protest was held outside the National Press Club in Dhaka, where participants formed a human chain and called for an end to violence and intimidation against Christians.

BCA President Nirmol Rozario and General Secretary Hemanta Corraya, in a joint statement, expressed concern over reports of attacks in West Bengal, including the vandalism of churches, disruption of worship services and harassment of Christian families.

The association urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of religious minorities and conduct transparent and impartial investigations into the incidents.

Recent reports from West Bengal have included the destruction of an under-construction Presbyterian church, attacks on Christians during a Sunday worship service and the alleged harassment of a Christian widow. Christian advocacy groups have described the incidents as part of a broader pattern of hostility towards Christian communities in some parts of India.

The United Christian Forum of India has previously documented hundreds of incidents involving attacks, intimidation and harassment of Christians, raising concerns about religious freedom and the safety of minority communities.

Speaking after the demonstration, Fr Albert Rozario, parish priest at the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, said the reports of attacks had deeply saddened Christians in Bangladesh.

"It has caused us a lot of pain and suffering," he said, expressing solidarity with Christians facing persecution in India.

Fr Rozario noted that although the constitutions of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan guarantee freedom of religion, minority communities in South Asia continue to face insecurity and discrimination.

BCA President Nirmol Rozario said the way a country treats its religious minorities reflects its commitment to justice and democracy.

"We want to tell the Indian government that justice must be ensured through an impartial investigation into the cases involving attacks on religious minorities and the vandalism of churches," he said.

The BCA stressed that protecting places of worship and ensuring every citizen's right to practise their faith without fear are fundamental responsibilities of democratic governments.

Representatives of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council also joined the protest, highlighting the broader challenges faced by religious minorities across South Asia.

The council's secretary, Manindra Kumar Nath, acknowledged that Bangladesh itself has witnessed episodes of religious extremism and attacks on minorities amid political instability in recent years.

"Persecution of minorities and attacks on religious institutions are not desirable in any country, whether India or Bangladesh," Nath said, urging governments across the region to respond firmly and promptly to religious violence.

The demonstration concluded with prayers for peace, justice and harmony, with participants calling on governments across South Asia to uphold the fundamental right of every person to worship freely and without fear or intimidation.

Courtesy Crux Now

Picture Courtesy : Stephan Uttom Rozario