24 Bangladesh
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What does persecution look like in Bangladesh?
Converts – whether from a Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or an ethnic/tribal background – face the most severe restrictions, discrimination and attacks in Bangladesh. Fearing attack from extremists, they often gather in small house churches or secret groups. Churches that evangelize among the Muslim majority face persecution, but even traditional churches such as the Roman Catholic Church may experience attacks or threats made to their clergy. This reporting period saw significant political turmoil in the country, as violent riots led to the resignation of the prime minister. Amidst the instability there was an increase in extremist attacks on Christians, especially converts. Volatile times are always a special challenge for religious minorities. Christians who belong to ethnic minorities can experience double persecution – first for their ethnicity, second for their faith. This year, members of the majority-Christian Bawm ethnic group have been killed, and many forced to flee, caught up in a complex conflict between the military and rival armed groups.
How can I pray?
- Last year’s riots and the breakdown of law and order led to many believers being attacked. Ask God to protect every Christian in Bangladesh.
- Many believers in Bangladesh were impacted by a cyclone in May 2024. Pray that they will be able to find hope.
- Praise God for the Bangladeshi believers who continue to live as salt and light even though it puts them at risk.