Reported Tensions Rise in Narayanganj, Bangladesh
- Korddad
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Narayanganj, Bangladesh — July 5, 2026
A group of AROPL believers living together in Narayanganj, Bangladesh, say they are facing growing hostility following their missionary activities and fear they may be targeted in an attack.
According to AROPL member Mustafa Kawsar, he currently lives in a shared house with three other believers. A friend who is not a member of the group also lives at the residence. The group says it has been carrying out missionary work in the area, including distributing and posting religious materials. They report that many of the posters they displayed were later removed or torn down.
The situation reportedly escalated after the recent pledge of allegiance by Sayed Abul Hasnat Yeadi Mahmud, whom the group describes as a respected senior journalist in the local community.
According to the believers, several local religious leaders then went to a police station to file a complaint against the group. The complaint accused them of promoting a new religion, distorting Islam, and acting as agents of Israel. However, journalists who were present at the police station reportedly objected to the inclusion of Mahmud's name, citing his reputation in the community. The group says that, as a result, police declined to accept the complaint. The believers further allege that a police officer suggested the complainants should wait until a physical confrontation occurred before police would intervene.
According to the group, journalists who witnessed the events at the police station later informed Mahmud, who then relayed the information to Mustafa Kawsar.
The believers say local religious figures are now attempting to rally residents against them. They believe announcements made during upcoming Friday prayers may be used to encourage people to target their residence. While the group says it has received warnings of a possible attack, it does not know when such an incident might occur.
The believers identify Noor Mohammad Fakir, whom they describe as a local Sufi Sunni religious figure, as the individual allegedly leading efforts against the group.
Mustafa Kawsar also expressed concern about a movement locally referred to as "Touhidi Jonota" ("Monotheist People"), which he describes as an extremist group that has allegedly participated in acts of religious violence in the region. He claims the group has previously attacked religious sites and individuals with differing religious beliefs.
Individuals associated with Touhidi Jonota are based opposite the believers' residence and have been monitoring who enters and leaves the house. He also says that Noor Mohammad Fakir operates a business and religious centre nearby.
These allegations raise serious concerns regarding:
Freedom of religion or belief.
Incitement to religious hatred and violence.
Threats of mob violence against a religious minority.
Possible failure of state authorities to provide equal protection under the law.
Allegations of police misconduct, including the reported encouragement of vigilante violence.
At the time of reporting, these threats indicate a potentially serious risk to the safety and security of the believers residing in Narayanganj and warrant close monitoring.
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