Two Christian men were hacked to death on July 29 after showing the "Jesus Film" in Dhopapara village, Faridpur district, about 150 kilometres southwest of Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka.
The two men, Tapan Kumar Roy, 27, and Liplal Marandi, 21, worked for Christian Life Bangladesh, a partner agency of Campus Crusade for Christ International. As part of their work in caring for the health needs of the people, they would show educational films on various health concerns, including mother/child care and AIDS prevention. On the request of villagers, they would often show the "Jesus Film" also, which angered Muslim militants in the area. The men had been threatened twice by an official from the local madrassa (Islamic school).
They were planning on leaving the area when they were brutally attacked in the early morning hours of July 29 by men brandishing knives and other sharp weapons. Reports indicate that the doors of neighbouring homes had been chained shut to prevent anyone from helping. When neighbours finally managed to get to the men, they rushed them to the local medical centre. Roy died in transit and Marandi died as he arrived at the hospital. At least two arrests have been made in connection with the murders.
Pray that those who heard the Gospel message from these men will continue to seek and will come to faith in Christ. Pray peace and comfort for their families and friends.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Bangladesh, click here.