After a wave of gruesome violence that included hacking victims to death, the Bangladesh government has arrested more than 11,000 people. Among those arrested were 150 members of Jama’atul Mujahedin Bangladesh, an Islamist group that the country had previously banned. The targeted victims include Hindus, Christians, Sufi Muslims, activists and foreigners. The group’s actions have included attacks on mosques.

The government has armed villagers in western Bangladesh with “bamboo sticks and whistles” to deter attacks on citizens who practice minority faiths.

Among the more egregious deaths was the attack on Hossain Ali, a Christian convert from Islam. Three attackers approached Ali on his morning walk and threw a cocktail bomb at him before attacking him with sharp weapons. He died at the scene.

Pray for peace in Bangladesh and protection for religious minorities, including Christians.

Summary is from articles below:

CNN: Bangladesh arrests more than 11,000 after wave of killings

Channel NewsAsia: Bangladesh police arm villagers against militants

The Daily Star: Fatwa against secret killings in Bangladesh

Christian Post: Anti-Terror Crackdown: Over 5,000 People Arrested in Bangladesh to Protect Christians

Open Doors: GRIEVING THE DEATH OF A TRUE MARTYR IN BANGLADESH