Christians’ execution demanded in Bangladesh Rohingya camps
Tensions simmer in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar after fatwa issued against Christians accused of blasphemy
Updated: January 14, 2025 12:13 PM GMT
Tensions between Muslim and Christian Rohingya are simmering in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar after a hard-line Islamic cleric issued a fatwa against three young Christian men, raising fears of a repeat of violence witnessed four years ago, sources in the camps say.
Posters have been pasted within the camps, and videos broadcast online, demanding the execution of three men for their alleged blasphemous acts through a fatwa.
Police have detained at least one man, purportedly for his own protection.
“There are threats against all Rohingya Christians in the refugee camps of Bangladesh, and inflammatory posters are part of a disturbing campaign targeting Christians,” one source said.
He also said the fatwa was issued by an Islamic scholar and cleric studying at Hathazari Madrasa in Bangladesh based in Camp-15 Jamtoli.
“These are false and dangerous accusations and are spreading in WhatsApp groups, alleging conversions [to Christianity] and blasphemy,” he said.
He said Bangladeshi authorities and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have been informed of the threats but “apparently no action has been taken so far.”
According to one estimate, about 1,500 Rohingya Christians are living among some one million Rohingya Muslims. Most fled to Bangladesh amid the 2017 ethnic cleansing and alleged genocide blamed on the military in Myanmar.
Another source said Christians had been stoned in Camp-27 Dumdumia while others had been detained and interrogated by police, as the entire community lives in fear of an imminent attack.
“There is an accusation of blasphemy against a Rohingya Christian youth named Michel Hamid from Camp-13 and this created tensions among them. Hamid is in jail now for his safety.”
Four years ago, Christian groups demanded an independent probe and punitive action over a Jan. 27 attack on 17 Rohingya families, who were accused of converting to Christianity in the Kutupalong refugee camp of Cox’s Bazar, over the previous two years.
A letter to Bangladesh authorities and the UNHCR, among others, dated Jan. 8 from Rohingya Christians Worldwide, warned of terrible consequences.
It said if the current fatwa is carried out, it could result in repeating the 2020 violence against Rohingya Christians at Kutupalong.
“Mob violence against Rohingya Christians led to horrifying atrocities, including rape, kidnapping, murder, ransacking of personal belongings, destruction of churches and desecration of religious materials including the tearing of Bibles,” the letter said.
“Additionally, it has been reported that unfamiliar Rohingya Muslims from other camps have approached Rohingya Christians in Thaingkhali, coercing them to visit mosques and participate in religious ceremonies.”
It said the situation in Thaingkhali requires immediate attention “given the imminent and severe threats faced by its residents. The gravity of these threats underscores the urgent need to address the safety and security of Rohingya Christians in Thaingkhali”.
The letter added that Rohingya Christians in Camp-27 Dumdumia, are also experiencing heightened fears due to ongoing harassment, including incidents of stoning.
