_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Bangladesh_______________
Bomb kills 10 in church
Motive for terror attack is not known
Ten people attending Mass at a Catholic church on Pentecost Sunday were killed and 25 others injured when a bomb exploded inside the building. Nine people died instantly at the Christian Mission Church in Baniarchar village in Gopalganj district. Another died on the way to the hospital and at least two of those who were wounded received life-threatening injuries.
“I am profoundly grieved and shocked at the news of the bomb explosion at Baniarchar parish church,” said Bishop Michael D’Rosario of the Khulna diocese, where Baniarchar is located. “I have no idea who could be behind such a crime.” Bishop D’Rosario, who was in the United States for medical treatment when the blast occurred, hurried back to Bangladesh when he heard the news.
Investigators determined that a powerful explosive device had been placed inside the church, hidden under a pile of books. The bomb was set against a pillar, so that the explosion caused walls to collapse.
The motive behind the attack has yet to be determined. Some observers blame Muslim fundamentalist groups, but local Church spokesmen, citing the excellent relations between the Catholic community and the local Muslim majority, suggested that the attack was the work of ordinary criminals.