BANGLADESH: CHRISTIANS ARRESTED FOR SINGING WORSHIP SONGS IN THEIR OWN HOME

On the 30^th of March 2024, Mahfuza, A HOUSE CHURCH LEADER FROM BANGLADESH, was rehearsing SOME SONGS FOR AN Easter Sunday worship service with some other church members IN A ROOM OF HER RENTED HOUSE.

Suddenly, a group of around 20-25 Muslim people appeared and accused Mahfuza and the women she was with of taking drugs and other activities.

Hearing such accusations, the Christian women were shocked and protested their innocence. Then the mob became angrier and asked the women for money.

“We told them that we were there preparing for the Easter celebration and rehearsing worship songs. Then they asked for money and said if we give them money, then they will not blame us. But, we refused to give them money and then they called police and falsely accused us,” she said.

The police arrested Mahfuza and the other women without any evidence, believing the mobs claims. The victims were immediately taken to the police station and were threatened by the police and encouraged to pay the bribe to make the allegations go away. The police seized the women’s phones and Mahfuza’s guitar.

With no other option, the women had to pay the bribe to be released. When they were freed, they got back their phones but did not get back the guitar. The police told them it was broken so it won’t be returned.

Easter service cancelled

The next day the church decided to cancel the Easter celebration. fearing for the safety of their congregation.

The neighbours continue to threaten Mahfuza, in the hope she will leave the area. “The other believers are in fear and no longer willing to attend the fellowship because they do not want to be targeted and face the same situation,” she said.

Mahfuza is actively looking for another house to rent where they can freely and safely continue to meet as a church..