This article is reproduced from the Arotahi newsletter sent on 26 August 2024.
Thank you for praying with us!
Update on political situation
According to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights report, nearly 400 deaths were reported between July 16 and August 4, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6. Four new advisors took their oath last week and with the new members, the interim government's advisory council increased to 21.
Still the country’s overall situation in the area of social security, economy, Civil Administration is unstable. Many former ministers, MP, and government officers were arrested in the last few days under several charges filed against them while many other government officers and teachers were forced to resign from their job.
The Chief Advisor had a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and assured the protection of the minorities in Bangladesh. Earlier, India raised concerns about the ongoing violence particularly on the attacks on minorities.
The Higher Secondary Certificate and equivalent examinations have been cancelled in the face of student protests. The process by which the results will be determined will be announced later.
Bangladesh Flooding
A total of 28 people died due to flooding across the country in the 24 hours till morning today (August 25, 2024). The total number of fatalities, recorded from 17 to 25 August, has risen to 72. Millions of people were still left without electricity and any means of communication, and relief materials had not reached many remote areas where families were stranded in flooded villages for days. According to a statement from the chief adviser's office, almost 1.5 million people were marooned in 12 districts. They are in desperate need of drinking water, oral saline, and food.
About half million people in 77 upazilas of 12 districts have been affected by the floods so far. Over 3 hundred thousand people took shelter at the 3,513 shelters opened by the government.
The ongoing floods have so far damaged 56,000 hectares of Aush paddy in Bangladesh. The actual damage could be identified within the next few days. Flash floods are likely to hit some parts of the south-eastern part of the country, Flood Forecasting and Warning Center of Water Development Board.
Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship (BBCF) is planning to stand beside the affected Church families by giving immediate support (cash and food support) in different phases. It would be done after completing the initial assessment. Tranzsend Bangladesh (TZBD) has decided to support BBCF with Tk. 200,000 for their initiative to support the flood victims.
We praise the Lord that our Boys Hostels in Feni and Khagrachari were not affected and children are safe and sound. We request you to keep the flood situation in your prayers.
Mark Rajib Halder
Tripura Flooding
Dear Sir, It is true that the rain and floods have severely affected many people in Tripura. This kind of situation happened like fifty years ago in Tripura. Every year there used to be but not very severe. Many of our church people have become victims of this time. Some churches and houses and also animals and crops have been destroyed. Roads and communications were blocked. Due to electricity failure no mobile phones to connect with the victims.
As a Tripura Baptist Christian Union we are planning to reach out to the affected brothers and sisters as early as possible. The local Associations are fully involved and we are connecting with them and tomorrow we will be going to the affected areas and meet them and extend helping hand to them. Continue to pray for us as we face this big challenge. In the midst of all these hardships let Jesus be magnified and glorified. Thanking you.
General Secretary, Tripura Baptist Christian Union
A prayer collated out of messages from our global team:
God we bring the country of Bangladesh and the Indian state of Tripura to you.
There has been so much flooding, death & injury. Our hearts ache for your people and their communities.
God, we are also thankful; for your presence, for your people working towards stability in the regions, for your promises of hope & redemption in Christ.
We rejoice that our children are safe in the Bangladeshi hostels, amongst what has also been unsettled political times. Even in this volatile environment, our hostels have not faced any negative situations.
Please bring relief from rain and flooding conditions. May our ground be safe to stand on, may there be water that is safe to drink, medicine for illness, and a quick retreat of flood waters.
We pray for the teams working alongside these flooded places & the people living in them. We ask for the extended families of our global workers and teams, for safety, good health, and peace.
May we be your hands and feet in Bangladesh and Tripura.
May the love of God, good news of Jesus and the promptings of the Holy Spirit guide us in all we do.
Prayer collated by Michelle Ritchie
Donation Information
If you would like to make a donation towards the flood recovery in Tripura and Bangladesh, please follow the payment instructions below. Funds donated will be distributed through our local NGOs in Tripura & Bangladesh, including Tranzsend & BBCF (Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship).
Payments for the flood appeal can be made to:
Bank Account Name: Develop Together
Bank Account Number: 02-0192-0549793-00
Statement Particulars: *Name within 10 Characters
Statement Code: * (Your ID Code if known)
Statement Reference: Flood Appeal 24
Please note that a tax receipt will be sent out soon after the 31st March 2025. If you are not a regular donor, please send your email address to [email protected].
Photos from Arotahi newsletter 26 August 2024.
