Muslim attackers throw homemade bombs at Christian family's home in Bangladesh

A Christian family became the target of an attack on Tuesday, May 3 when attackers, believed to be Muslims, threw homemade bombs at the family's home in western Chuadanga, Bangladesh. The attack adds to the increasing cases of discrimination against religious minorities in a country dominated by Muslims.

The incident left two people injured. One of the victims was a Christian, 45-year-old Alam Mondol, who was reportedly on his veranda when the bombs were thrown. Splinters from the explosion left him with wounds on his hip and left hand.

The villagers sought to drive away the attackers, who threw more bombs before fleeing the place. The explosions injured another man, who is also a Christian.

District chief police officer Rashidul Hasan said the attackers are suspected of "attempted robbery." He explained that the culprits attempted to break into Mondol's house and ask for money, Mail Online reported.

However, targeted attacks of Muslim extremists against Christians in Bangladesh are increasing, with al-Qaeda and ISIS claiming responsibility for the incidents. Other religious minorities like Hindus have also been victims of violence.

Just last week, a 50-year-old Hindu tailor was hacked to death because of allegedly "blaspheming the prophet Mohammed." ISIS said they were responsible for the murder.

Hossain Ali, a Muslim who had converted to Christianity, was killed in Kurigram in March. According to ISIS, who also claimed responsibility for the attack, Ali's death should serve as a "lesson to others."

According to Open Doors, Christian persecution in Bangladesh stems from Islamic extremism. Christians in the country are at risk of violence, and those who live in rural areas face greater persecution from local Muslim leaders and the community.

In recent years, violence against Christians has increased in the country, which is predominantly Islam, even though the constitution mandates that religious freedom should not be suppressed.

The Bangladesh government has constantly denied the involvement of al-Qaeda and ISIS in the attacks against religious minorities, saying that the two groups do not operate in the country. The government puts the blame on the local militants.