Convent attacked in Bangladesh: first such violence in country
July 11, 2014
Armed men attacked a Catholic convent in Bangladesh on July 7, Aid to the Church in Need reports.
The attack, by 50 to 60 men, was the first such instance of violence against a Catholic institution in Bangladesh. Authorities have arrested 12 Muslims in connection with the incident.
“It’s unprecedented because nuns are highly respected in Bangladesh,” said Bishop Sebastian Tudu of Dinajpur. He reported that the nuns were beaten and there were instances of attempted rape. The violence only ended when police arrived.
The attackers had come to loot the mission, the bishop reports. They may also have been looking for land-ownership deeds, which were believed to be left by poor and illiterate members of the community for safekeeping at the mission.
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