One of the two main political parties of the indigenous people in Bangladesh’s south-eastern hill tracts prevented Christians from celebrating Christmas, sources said. The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), which has demanded that Christian converts return to Buddhism, threatened tribal Christians of at least seven churches in Khagrachari district, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) southeast of the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. A source requesting anonymity said that a local leader of the UPDF, a regional party seeking autonomy, warned Christians not to hold a Christmas gathering. ‘Members of the Kalapani Bethlehem Church could not celebrate Christmas this year,’ the source said. ‘UPDF members threatened them, saying ‘You cannot play the harmonium, drums and sing here. You cannot even worship silently’. Christian elders told the UPDF leader by telephone that they had arranged food for around 100 people, and the UPDF members allowed them only to eat their rice and curry.

Pray: as further attacks occur on Churches gathering, that God would protect His saints and open the doors for worship. (Ps.20:6)

More: http://www.compassdirect.org/english/country/bangladesh/30238/