Christmas turned into a day of devastation for the Christian community in Chittagong, Bangladesh, as radical Islamists unleashed terror by setting 16 homes ablaze. The attack occurred while families were away at church celebrating the holy day, leaving their homes vulnerable to this act of sheer brutality.
This incident is yet another grim reminder of the precarious situation faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh. Despite repeated assaults on minority communities, the Bangladeshi government has failed to rein in radical Islamist elements, allowing them to operate with near-impunity. This laxity has emboldened extremists, resulting in a sustained pattern of violence and persecution against Christians, Hindus, and other minority groups.
The repeated failure of the Bangladeshi government to address the growing influence of radical Islamists has drawn widespread criticism. Observers have noted that successive administrations have turned a blind eye to the plight of minorities, often prioritizing political appeasement over justice and equality. This inaction not only violates the constitutional promise of protection for all citizens but also erodes the country’s secular foundations.
The international community has long urged Bangladesh to uphold its commitments to human rights and minority protection, yet the ground reality remains grim.