Marking the 25th anniversary of the tragic church bombing in Bangladesh, Catholics gathered for special prayers, urging for justice and remembering one of the deadliest militant attacks on the country’s Christian minority. The bombing, which took place on June 3, 2001, at a crowded church in Gopalganj district, resulted in the death of 10 Catholics and left around 50 worshippers injured during Sunday Mass, mostly young individuals.
The banned Islamist militant group Harkat-ul-Jihad (HuJI) claimed responsibility for the attack, as reported recently. This incident occurred amidst a rise in militancy in Bangladesh, with extremist organizations like HuJI and Jamaat-ul-Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) targeting various sectors, including secular voices, cultural establishments, and state institutions.
Investigations into the church bombing have faced obstacles due to frequent changes in investigating officers, leading to a standstill in progress. On the anniversary, the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) expressed deep concerns over the prolonged delay in justice for the victims and their families. BCA President Nirmol Rozario highlighted the community’s continuous efforts through rallies, candlelight processions, and appeals to authorities, yet tangible actions for justice have been lacking.
Recalling the tragic event, witness Roman Baroi emphasized the devastating impact of the bombing on families, especially since many victims were young breadwinners. The prolonged legal proceedings have eroded public trust in the justice system, leaving many disillusioned and scarred by the tragedy. Speaking to UCA News, 72-year-old priest Mimmo Pietanza, who was present during the attack, described it as the most painful incident of his life. Despite persistent calls for a fair investigation and justice, the priest expressed disappointment over the lack of progress by Bangladeshi authorities.
