A tragic murder and a controversial exam scheduling have raised serious concerns about safety and religious freedom for Bangladesh's Christian minority.
Piyas Majumder, a 22-year-old Christian youth, was brutally killed on March 11, 2025, during a home robbery in Kushla village, Kotalipara, Gopalganj. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Christian community and highlighted growing security issues in the country.
A Devastating Loss
According to local reports, the criminals broke into the home of Paul Majumder Khokon, a dentist, and his wife Anita Vaidya, a nurse, while they were at work. Upon returning home, the parents discovered their son tied up and lifeless. Neighbours who rushed to help took Piyas to the Kotalipara Upazila Health Complex, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Salman Majumder, a neighbour, confirmed the horrific scene: "We heard Paul Majumder Khokon's screams and rushed in. We found Piyas tied up and immediately sent him to the hospital. The entire house was ransacked."
Local police officer Md Abul Kalam Azad stated that the body was sent to Gopalganj Morgue for autopsy, promising a thorough investigation.
The murder occurs against a backdrop of increasing violence. According to human rights groups, 119 people have been killed by gang violence in the seven months since the current government came to power. In January and February alone, 96 women and children were raped, and 16 people lost their lives due to political violence.
Police statistics reveal a stark increase in killings, with 294 people murdered in January 2025, compared to 231 in January 2024.
Protests have erupted at educational institutions in various cities, including Dhaka, with people demanding stronger law enforcement. Some have even called for the resignation of the interim government's Home Affairs Advisor.
Growing Concerns for Minorities
The Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh, which represents over one million Christian believers, has expressed deep distress. In a press release, the organisation highlighted not just this murder, but a pattern of harassment against Christians.
Fr Liton Gomes, a parish priest in Gouronodi, powerfully condemned the killing: "The murder of Christian youth Piyas Majumder is heartbreaking. I extend my deepest condolences to the victim's family and strongly demand justice and exemplary punishment for the criminals," quoted media.
Adding to the community's distress is a contentious issue surrounding the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination. The exam's mathematics paper is scheduled for 20 April 2025 - Easter Sunday, a significant religious festival for Christians worldwide.
The Federation of Protestant Churches has urgently requested the government to reschedule the exam, emphasising the day's religious importance and the need to respect Christian students' religious freedom.
“We have confidence in the leadership of the Honorable Chief Adviser, Education Adviser and Adviser for Home Affairs,” read the press release undersigned by Bishop Philip P. Adhikary, Chairman of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh. “We kindly request your consideration for the exemplary punishment of the identified criminal and the rescheduling of the examination date on Easter Sunday to ensure the religious freedom of Christians in the country,” the press release further stated.
As Bangladesh grapples with these challenges, the Christian community continues to seek justice and protection, hoping for meaningful action from the authorities.
