Islamic militants have forced Christian students and teachers from Grace Presbyterian Bible College to move out of Khulna, Bangladesh, this past July, according to human rights organisation Christian Freedom International.
“We had to move our Bible school out of Khulna because it was so dangerous,” Peter Khaleque, the school’s principle told Christian Freedom International. “The fanatics beat our Bible school students they tried to kill them. There are so many fanatics in Khulna now."He continued: "The fanatic groups attacked our school three times, two times this year, one time last year," said Kaleque. "We have 33 students at the Bible school. They tried to kidnap the girls and kill the men."
The school of 33 students is currently relocated in South Sayabithi, 15 miles north of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. But reports say the school has received new threats.
"Here outside South Sayabithi we are now facing problems," Kaleque told Christian Freedom International. "We have to be quiet. The Muslim society in the area says if we sing too loudly they will cut off our hand. If we pray too loud they will cut off our hand. Neighbouring Muslims from the local Mosque made this threat."
The persecution of Christians, especially those who convert to Christianity in Bangladesh, is getting worse.
Jim Jacobson, Christian Freedom International President
But the school continues to move forwards, despite the persecution. "We are afraid, but we work for the Lord, even if we are scared, said Kaleque. "We have our classes even though they threaten us."
According to Christian Freedom International president Jim Jacobson, "The persecution of Christians, especially those who convert to Christianity in Bangladesh, is getting worse. The growing persecution of Christians in Bangladesh is alarming and should be a matter of major concern for every freedom loving person."
Christian Freedom International urges Bangladesh to protect the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The organisation also urges the U.S. government and the U.N. to use their influence on Bangladesh to stop the increasing persecution of religious minorities, especially Christians.
