Cocktail Attack on Church a Heinous Act: Journalist Soyeb Sikder
Senior journalist and human rights activist Soeb Sikder described the attacks as “deeply alarming and despicable.” He noted that a similar incident had taken place on October 8 at Tejgaon’s Holy Rosary Church. “Such acts of violence at two major churches within a short span have created deep anxiety and fear within the Christian community. The attack on the Ramna Cathedral cannot be taken lightly—it is a direct assault on the spirit of religious harmony,” he said.
Three separate cocktail attacks have occurred at different locations in the past month. Although no casualties were reported, the incidents have sparked fear and concern among members of the Christian community, according to a report by AFP.
On Monday, a post from the Chief Adviser’s official Facebook page stated that Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) had arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the recent series of cocktail attacks in Dhaka. Preliminary investigations identified the suspect as a member of the banned organization Chhatra League. Authorities are interrogating him over multiple incidents, including explosions near Kakrail’s St. Mary’s Cathedral and the St. Joseph School compound.
The first attack took place on October 8 at Dhaka’s oldest church, the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Two more attacks occurred last Friday night, targeting churches and nearby structures. The incidents—at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and St. Joseph School and College—resulted in no injuries or fatalities.
Nirmol Rozario, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association, confirmed that a cocktail exploded in front of St. Mary’s Cathedral. He added that around 500 people still attended worship services the following day despite the attack.
Police spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman told AFP that the perpetrators arrived on motorcycles, hurled explosive devices at the church and school grounds, and quickly fled the scene. He said the attacks may have been intended to spread panic, adding that authorities are investigating whether the incidents are connected or isolated.
Senior journalist and human rights activist Soyeb Sikder described the attacks as “deeply alarming and despicable.” He noted that a similar incident had taken place on October 8 at Tejgaon’s Holy Rosary Church. “Such acts of violence at two major churches within a short span have created deep anxiety and fear within the Christian community. The attack on the Ramna Cathedral cannot be taken lightly—it is a direct assault on the spirit of religious harmony,” he said.
soyeb Sikder urged the police and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. He also called for effective security measures to ensure the safety of all churches, missionary institutions, schools, colleges, universities, and members of the Christian community across the country.