Pressure on Christian converts in Bangladesh is increasing, with hate posts being spread on social media and children as young as four being impacted by anti-Christian rhetoric. Please pray for our church family there to be strengthened. Please note: all names in this article have been changed for security reasons.
Four-year-old Jahangir’s parents were shocked when their son returned home from school far too early. When they asked him why, Jahangir said his teacher had told him there was no space for him on the class bench.
He was too young to understand what had happened – in fact, he was overjoyed that he’d been given an unexpected day off – but Jahangir’s parents knew exactly why he’d been sent home.
The next day, when they confronted his teacher, she said bluntly, “If the boy comes to the school and sits with other Muslim boys, then the Muslim boys might leave the school. They will not want to sit on the same bench with a Christian boy during classes.”
Sadly, this is becoming a more common reality for many young Christians in Bangladesh – especially children in converted families. The discrimination is taking a toll on their physical and emotional health. The mistreatment and bullying they experience from their teachers and peers mean that many of them hide their faith and have trouble mingling with other children. They also lose interest in their studies and become withdrawn.
Pressures On Converts Increases
In October, a religious fundamentalist posted the personal information of 24 Christians on Facebook with provocative comments to protest their conversions. The post included believers’ names, family information, contact numbers, and baptism dates.
The social media post read, “I am fortunate to be born in a Muslim family; I am proud to be the follower of the world leader Rasul Kareem. The Holy Quran is my education and knowledge, which is my pride. I will fight, if necessary, to protect the religion of peace, Islam. But I will not allow […] religious conversion… I demand these Christians’ exemplary punishment. I expect strong protest from every Muslim.”
Immediately, the post went viral and stirred up anger in local non-Christians; Christians have been in a state of panic since the incident. They fear more persecution and attacks, especially when they go out as part of their daily routine.
Pray for Bangladesh
- For Jahangir and his family, that he will be able to flourish at school and that he will be rooted and established in God’s love. (Ephesians 3:17)
- For all believers affected by the Christian hate on social media, that God will protect them and strengthen them.
- That Open Doors partners will be given wisdom and provision to support Bangladeshi believers in all situations of persecution.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
