Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is concerned about the rise of violent extremism in Bangladesh, in light of the 1 July terror attack in which 22 people were murdered and the ongoing targeted killings of religious minorities.

On 30 June, a Buddhist man named Mong Shwe Lung Marma, was murdered in Bandarban in a targeted killing similar in style to that of Daesh (Islamic State). The murder occurred in the same district where a Buddhist monk, Mongsowe U Chak, was killed on 14 May.

On 1 July, a Hindu religious leader, Shaymanonda Das, was fatally attacked in the district of Jhenaidah, the third Hindu leader to be killed this year. On 2 July, another Hindu leader, Bhabasindhu Roy, was attacked in the district of Satkhira and remains in a critical condition. He was reportedly attacked inside the compound of Sri Sri Radha Gobinda Temple while he slept.

Steven Selvaraj, South Asia Team Leader at Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said, “CSW offers our heartfelt condolences to the people of Bangladesh as they mourn the horrific terror attack on 1 July and those who have lost their lives in these targeted killings. CSW calls for the government of Bangladesh to vigorously defend civil society space in the country as extremist violence threatens the lives and freedoms of its citizens. In this climate, religious minorities are especially vulnerable and we urge the government to honour its promise to defend religious freedom and to restore faith in the justice system.”