How are Christians persecuted in Bangladesh?
- Amidst continuing political uncertainty and social unrest in Bangladesh, the persecution facing Christians is intensifying.
- Christian men can experience public beatings, torture, false accusations and ostracism from the authorities and the local community.
- Christian women and girls are vulnerable to harassment, ostracism, humiliating rituals, sexual assault, rape, forced marriage and house arrest.
- Church leaders are especially at risk of arrest.
“When our children go to school, the teachers say bad things against Christians.”
Jorina
- Christian children can face isolation and bullying in school. Church leader, Jorina*, shares, “When our children go to school, during religious class, the teachers say bad things against Christians in the middle of the class and my son cries.”
Why are Christians persecuted in Bangladesh?
- Bangladesh is majority Muslim, and those who leave Islam are seen as traitors to their family, community and even country.
- Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. However, despite his commitment to minorities, a power vacuum has emerged that has, alongside poor security, been seized upon by extremists to target Christians and other religious minorities, often through violent attacks.
- The threat facing many Christians is such that many have been forced into hiding. Those known for being active in evangelism are especially in danger.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Bangladesh?
- Converts from other faiths are amongst those most susceptible to persecution.
- New believers who are among the one million Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar face huge pressures from their community, including death threats. The community is mainly Muslim.
“One of the Islamic leaders said, ‘We will kill you today.'”
Jorina
- Christians who bravely share their faith with others are also particularly in danger of hostility. Jorina, who has led many people to faith, remembers, “One night, at least 25–30 Moulana (Islamic leaders) came to our house. One of them said, ‘We will kill you today.’”
What has changed in Bangladesh in the past year?
- Although Bangladesh has dropped nine places on the World Watch List, largely due to a reduction in reported incidents of violence, the pressures felt by many Christians remains high.
- With elections imminent, the situation facing Christians in Bangladesh is potentially reaching a critical juncture.
How can I help Christians in Bangladesh?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Bangladesh through various initiatives, including emergency aid, the provision of Bibles and other literature, and discipleship training.
*Name changed for security reasons
Sovereign Lord, pour Your healing into the lives of those horribly affected by recent political developments. Push away the forces of darkness, protect Your children from harm, and strengthen them. Intervene in the lives of persecutors, drawing them to You. Be sovereign over the elections, putting in power individuals who pursue a safe and flourishing Bangladesh for all people. Bring peace and stability, we pray, and dispel the hostility that so many believers face. Amen.
