Thousands of Christians gathered at St. Anthony’s shrine in Panjora village, near Gazipur in the Archdiocese of Dhaka, on 6 February 2026, undertaking their annual pilgrimage despite rising anxiety and fears of violence ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.
The pilgrimage, traditionally held on the first Friday of February, drew about 40,000 devotees this year, even as law enforcement presence and CCTV monitoring were increased around the site amid concerns about potential attacks on minorities, including Christians.
A 42-year-old pilgrim from the Rajshahi Diocese, Animesh Gomes said he traveled with his wife and children despite initial fears, saying his family considered participation in the religious ceremony a matter of faith.
An atmosphere of concern stems from a series of violent incidents in late 2025, including hand grenade explosions at Dhaka Cathedral and St. Joseph’s School and College, and threatening letters sent to Catholic institutions, causing unease among Christians who make up less than 1 % of Bangladesh’s population of around 180 million.
During the pilgrimage, Auxiliary Bishop Subroto Boniface Gomes called on the faithful to embrace God’s word not merely as supplication but as a guide for daily life, emphasizing that St. Anthony’s legacy calls believers to live according to Christ’s ideals and help others draw closer to God.
Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists traditionally participate in the annual St. Anthony’s pilgrimage, offering prayers and thanksgiving in one of Bangladesh’s largest interfaith gatherings, even as the nation approaches a tense general election.