BANGLADESH: PRAY FOR 15 YEAR-OLD DUDUL

On Friday, 22 March 2024, 15-year-old Dudul*, a boy from the northern part of Bangladesh, was ATTACKED and PUBICLY beaten BECAUSE OF HIS CHRISTIAN FAITH.

Four years ago, Dudul’s parents converted from Islam to Christianity. Their Muslim neighbours have been furious ever since, finding every opportunity to put pressure on the family, threatening to harm them if they do not renounce their faith in Jesus and return to Islam. 

This family has experienced all kinds of persecution from their community, including being mocked, isolated, publicly shamed, and physically attacked. Despite this, Dudul and his family have kept choosing to walk with Jesus. 

PUBLICLY HUMILIATED, AND BEATEN 

The recent attack saw a mob of young Muslim boys grab Dudul, dragging him to a local leader who had been encouraging others to attack the Christian family. He was tied to a tree and badly beaten.

To justify the attack, Dudul was falsely accused of stealing a goat from a Muslim. The attackers encouraged those who were passing by to film and take photos, which were then posted on social media and went viral in the village. 

Threats to Dudul’s Doctors 

Dudul’s parents filed a case against the persecutors, and the local police found are investigating after interviewing key witnesses.

Dudul was immediately sent to a local clinic but had to relocate to another hospital because the attackers had threatened the family for complaining to the local police. They also threatened the doctors, forcing them to not provide any evidence of the attack. 

When Open Doors partners visited the family, Dudul was very weak, covered in bruises, mentally exhausted and understandably traumatised after such a brutal attack.

Open Doors’ local partners are continuing to support the family, offering prayer and practical support with his treatment.

*Name changed for security purposes. Top image is illustrative.