Extremists Destroy Christian Family’s Home: Tapon’s Story
Violence is on the rise after the resignation of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister. Police stations have been burned to the ground. Officers have been killed. And our brothers and sisters in Christ are being targeted. Tapon Sarkar (42) and his family fear for their lives.
Tapon, who lives in western Bangladesh, faced a brutal attack by a mob of extremists. They destroyed his home and shop, forcing him to flee with his wife, three children, and father. Despite the devastation, they have remained steadfast in their faith, relying on God’s protection amidst ongoing persecution
Tapon’s family has lived in their village for generations, holding fast to their Christian faith despite the risks. Years ago, Tapon’s father was attacked for his faith, leaving him with permanent damage to his eyesight. Still, their home was a place of prayer and ministry – but their faith drew the anger of local extremists and Islamic leaders. This tension raged over into a violent attack on their home on August 5th.
That night, a mob of 25 extremists, armed with weapons, descended upon their house. In fear for their lives, Tapon and his family fled, abandoning everything they had worked so hard to build. The attackers destroyed everything.
For four days, they tried to stay hidden, but the extremists found them and demanded a ransom of 100,000 BDT (USD $835) to spare their lives. With the help of villagers, Tapon and his family were eventually rescued.
They returned to their home – which now lays in ruins – and the threats continue. The children cannot go to school. Clean water is difficult to find. The fear of another attack looms large, casting a constant shadow over their lives.
The attacks on us cannot be undone, but pray for the safety and security of other believers, who live in constant fear and some of whom are unable to work.
Open Doors local partners stepped in to help with emergency support immediately after the attack and since then have been staying in contact with the believers. Tapon’s brother, who was in hiding, remains committed to his ministry and trusts in God even in these dark times.
“They are doing well physically but mentally, they’re frustrated, crippled with fear and tension,” said a local partner, “It will take time to go back to a normal life like before, but they are trying to understand the reality of the situation and what happened to them.”
Local partners are in the process of repairing Tapon’s house and shop so that he can restart his business and live in his home safely.
Please continue to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
PRAYER POINTS
- Pray for Tapon and his family by asking God to surround them with His protection and fill them with peace despite the ongoing threats.
- Pray for the believers in the area, that God would strengthen them in their faith and provide for their physical and spiritual needs amidst the persecution.
- Pray for Tapon’s brother and other ministry leaders, that they would be guided by God’s wisdom as they continue to serve their communities in these challenging times.
