A Catholic school in Bangladesh has been closed indefinitely following acts of violence and vandalism. Source: Crux.
St Gregory’s High School and College in Old Dhaka experienced attacks alongside other schools after a student at another institution died after allegations of medical malpractice.
On Sunday, a mob of more than 500 attacked the Catholic school, and injured two employees.
The classrooms, canteen and teachers’ lounge at the school were also vandalised.
Bangladesh has been experiencing a wave of Islamist attacks on religious minorities for months, and these haven’t ended with the appointment of Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus as interim leader in August.
“Due to the emerging situation, all types of class, exams and offices of the morning shift and day shift of the school and college branch will remain closed until further notice, as per the decision of the school’s governing committee,” St Gregory’s High School said in a statement.
“The cleaning and renovation works of the institution is an emergency requirement and time-consuming. The school’s activities will begin when everything will be favourable,” the statement continued.
Dhaka Archbishop Bejoy D’Cruze condemned the attacks on the school.
“We are for peace; we have suspended classes due to tensions and told our students not to get involved and not join any groups… We are for peace,” the archbishop said.
Br Placido Peter Ribeiro, the principal of St Gregory’s High School and College, told Asia News the attack “was a premeditated assault”.
“Restoration work, including cleaning and repairing the extensive damage, is already underway. These efforts are both urgent and time-consuming. We aim to resume normal school activities as soon as the premises are fully restored and safe for students and staff,” he said.
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Rioters attack Catholic school in Bangladesh (By Nirmala Carvalho, Crux)
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