Gazipur (AsiaNews) - At least 45 Islamic extremists attacked a Protestant school of Arambaugh (Gazipur district), Bangladesh. The attack took place yesterday and ten people, including teachers and students, were injured. The group attacked the institution - the Steve Kim Mission School - after "rumors" the structure forced Muslim students to convert to Christianity. Police arrested five people suspected of being involved.
School principal Michael Mandal, said: "A local group
vandalized the school and attacked the teachers, after someone had put out the
word that we converted students."
A resident of the area, the Muslim Rafiqual Islam, confirms what was said by
the principal: "Some personalities and influential Islamic radicals linked
to some schools, spread the news that Steve Kim Mission School practiced 'forced'
conversions."
The school welcomes students of all faiths, from the first to the eighth grade.
The school provides them with textbooks, school supplies and meals. In
Bangladesh, Christian schools and colleges are considered the best. The
Catholic Church has about 600 institutions (from primary school to high school),
10 colleges and a university. 90% of students are not Christian.