23/08/2024
MISSION UPDATE: CIVIL UNREST IN BANGLADESH 🇧🇩
It is with regret that the team will have to postpone the mission trip to Bangladesh this year. Our deepest sympathy goes to Bipul and his team, and all the affected civilians especially minorities, such as Christians and Hindus.
In mid-June 2024, student protests that began peacefully over the reinstatement of a civil service quota system escalated into violence and human rights abuses by security forces. Hundreds are thought to have died, with thousands more injured. There are compelling signs that security forces employed excessive and unjustified force, with reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and heavy restrictions on free expression and peaceful assembly, warranting an independent investigation. There is a significant restrictions on internet access and disruption to communication channels during this period.
Pastor Philip from Dhaka reported to us: “We, the minorities, are facing problems here in Bangladesh. The men try to protect our campus at night as watchmen. In the villages, Hindus, Christians, and other minorities are facing a very critical situation. Every night the terrorists are attacking all of us in Bangladesh. Tell the people of your country to help us as well as other minorities. There are no protection here by the authorities like the Police and other agencies. In Bipul's area, there is no internet, so they are in a very vulnerable situation. Please pray for us.”
In view of the ongoing situation, we could not risk the safety of the missionaries to continue the mission trip there for now. However, the dental mission will still go on as planned with great discretion, headed by Prince Sircar. The team from the Philippines will have to reroute to India and go there earlier.
Please include our missionaries and brethren in Bangladesh in your prayers. And if you wish to send help, please contact us for more info.
Blessings!
GCash - 09274418372
(Cherry Mae G. Ramirez, DF-CFO)
Metrobank - 594-3-594-08776-4
(Cherry Mae G. Ramirez, DF-CFO)