Two Families Forced Into Hiding Because of Their Faith
Women are particularly vulnerable to persecution, and for those who are converted believers—especially Muslim Background Believers (MBBs)—the risk of persecution is even greater.
In Bangladesh, it’s mostly men who earn an income while women manage the household. With the women at home, they become the most vulnerable targets of persecution from their neighbors and community. Though they experience physical and verbal abuse, they find peace in Christ and stand firm in their faith.
These are the stories of Kulsum and Hamila (not their real names), two women from Northeast part of Bangladesh, who are beneficiaries of a Women’s Discipleship Project. They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and their families are hiding for their safety and protection.
Kulsum’s Story:
Kulsum (42) lives in the northeast part of Bangladesh with her family. She is also a student of the Women’s Discipleship Project being conducted by OD local partner. Life has been quite normal for Kulsum, her husband, and their two teenage daughters. But in the midst of political unrest this past summer, their family have received death threats. The family has noticed that they’re being closely monitored by the local Muslims.
The family has been under immense pressure from local Islamic and political leaders, who are coercing them to renounce their faith. Kulsum’s daughters have been harassed on their way to school, and the local leaders have insisted that they shouldn’t be allowed to attend school until they abandon their faith. The pressure from the Muslim community became so intense that Kulsum’s husband had to go into hiding due to the death threats he received. Her husband was the sole breadwinner and now they are struggling to secure food for the family. They do not feel safe.
We are struggling a lot. I have no place to share about our problems. I don’t know how we will survive since my husband cannot work to provide for our family. People threaten us and insult my daughters when they go to school. A family cannot survive this way.
Kulsum also bravely shared, “They are threatening us that if we don’t renounce our faith, they will kill us. But I said them, ‘If needed, you can kill me, but I will not renounce my faith in Christ!’
Hamila’s Story:
Hamila (38) is from the neighboring village of Kulsum. She is also a beneficiary of the Women’s Discipleship Project. Hamila, her husband, and their 16-year-old son are also being pressured by local Islamic and political leaders to renounce their faith or leave the village.
To ensure her son’s safety, Hamila sent him to a safer place in the city where it would be harder to be followed. Meanwhile, Hamila and her husband fled to a relative’s house in a neighboring village for their own safety. Now, they are completely dependent on their relatives for food, shelter, and other necessities. They do not want to be a burden to anyone, but they have no other choice.
For Hamila, life has come to a halt. She cannot go home. It has been months since they went into hiding and still there is no certainty as to when – or if – they can resume their normal life. Frustration is growing, and they are beginning to lose hope of ever returning to normalcy.
I did not expect to have to hide due to my faith. I never imagined that this kind of situation will ever come in my life. Before this, I had a home and all the necessities, but now I have nothing.
Despite her difficulties and challenges, Hamila is still strong in her faith in the Lord and is committed to follow Him. “I will not renounce my faith. I know, if I renounce my faith, then Muslim people will welcome me back and I can return to my home. But I do not want the sympathy of those who perpetrate this violence. I am praying for God to make a way for my family!” she said.
These two incidents reflect the struggles of many women and their families in Bangladesh, and the ripple effects that this persecution has on their children and loved ones.
Open Doors has supported them to meet their temporary needs, but they also require a sustainable and permanent solution so that they can practice their faith freely. Pray for God’s wisdom on how to navigate this challenging situation.
Prayer points:
- Pray for Kulsum and Hamila’s protection, asking God to keep them safe from the threats and pressure they face from local leaders, and to also watch over their children during these difficult times.
- Pray for Kulsum’s husband and Hamila’s son, who are still in hiding. Ask God to give them protection and peace so that they can return home without fear.
- Pray for peace and courage in the hearts of Kulsum, Hamila, and their families. Pray that they will stay strong in their faith despite the challenges and feel God’s presence guiding them through these tough times.
