26 Bangladesh
What does persecution look like in Bangladesh?
In Bangladesh, converts to Christianity face the most severe restrictions, discrimination and attacks. Individual communities may be Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or animist/tribal, but converts to Christianity face significant difficulties in any of these places. Religious beliefs are tied to the identity of the community, so turning from the locally dominant faith to following Jesus can result in accusations of betrayal. Bangladeshi converts often gather in small house churches due to the risk of attack. Any churches that work and evangelize among the Muslim majority face persecution—but even historical denominations like the Roman Catholic Church are increasingly targeted by death threats and attacks.
Tribal Christians face an increasing double vulnerability since they belong to both an ethnic and religious minority. These believers struggle with people taking their land and face violence. The killings of eight tribal Christians in April 2023 in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region (in southeast Bangladesh) was a rare but not unprecedented occurrence of violence leading to deaths in the country.
Christians among the Muslim-majority Rohingya, who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar, face harassment and strong pressure from their community. Believers who live in the Rohingya refugee camps can encounter persecution even as they live in displacement.
What changed this year?
Daily life pressure fell for Christians in Bangladesh—but violence against Christians and Christian properties rose. Multiple reports of attacks against Christians, including children and women, were recorded during the 2024 World Watch List reporting period. The violent clashes in April 2023 resulted in the deaths of eight tribal Christians. The Christian minority, in general, continues to face discrimination, neglect and violence, and for converts from other faiths, this reality can be even more pronounced. During the campaign for January 2024 elections, Christians and other minorities have also come under more pressure to conform to the surrounding culture.
How can I pray?
- Pray for healing for Bangladeshi Christians who have been attacked or physically abused for their faith. Ask God to bind up their wounds, both physical and emotional.
- Ask God to give perseverance to Christians who endure pressure from their communities. Pray they would have the supernatural courage to stand for Jesus, no matter what.
- Pray that people who persecute Jesus will come to realize the truth of His love and grace.