A Christian convert has been hacked to death in north-eastern Bangladesh while taking his regular morning work.
At least two attackers stopped Hossain Ali in the town of Kurigram on Tuesday morning before lunging at his neck with sharp weapons, police say.
The 68-year-old, who converted from Islam to Christianity in 1999, died on the spot and officers are unsure whether Islamists are responsible or whether there was a different motive.
They are yet to identify Mr Ali's attackers.
Bangladesh is Muslim-majority nation and militants purporting to be from Islamic State (IS) have in recent months claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on converts and religious minorities, including Christians.
According to the AFP news agency, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government (Hasina pictured above) denies IS is operating in Bangladesh.
The government claims the banned home-grown militant group Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh is responsible for the rise in violence.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
