BANGLADESH | DEC. 30, 2024 — Extremists Issue Christmas Warnings
BANGLADESH — Extremists Issue Christmas Warnings
Christian pastors have been warned against practicing their faith, especially when it involves leading Muslims to faith in Christ.
Since a coup last summer that created chaos across Bangladesh and increased violence against Christians, an Islamic extremist group called Hefazat-e-Islam has been rising in power.
Several Christian leaders from different parts of Bangladesh reported that they received threatening letters from Hefazat leaders, warning them that any celebration of Christmas this year “will be the last celebration they do in this life.” Other threats included demands for the return of “what was taken from Islam,” meaning physical property but also former Muslims who converted to Christianity. The letters warned that these Muslim-background Christians and the pastors who are discipling them will face death if they do not return to Islam.