Christian converts face severe restrictions, discrimination, and attacks.
bottom“We are under a lot of pressure, living in fear and panic. They forbade us to spread the name of Jesus.”
– Jorina*
*Name changed for security purposes
Amid continuing political uncertainty and social unrest in Bangladesh, the persecution facing Christians is intense. Following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, an interim government was formed, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. However, despite his commitment to minorities, a power vacuum has emerged. Together with poor security, this has been seized upon by extremists to target Christians and other religious minorities, often through violent attacks. The threat facing Christians is such that many have been forced into hiding. Those known for being active in evangelism are especially in danger.
In Bangladesh’s male-oriented culture, men are often the first converts and that makes them especially vulnerable to persecution. They can endure public beatings, torture, false accusations, or ostracisation from the authorities and the local community. Church leaders are especially at risk of arrest, and as they are the main breadwinner, loss of work or imprisonment can be ruinous for their families.
Christian women and girls often experience more “invisible” forms of persecution involving mental abuse, isolation, and shame-based control. They are vulnerable to harassment, ostracisation, humiliating rituals, sexual assault, forced marriage, and house arrest.
Converts from Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are among those most susceptible to persecution. Belonging to both ethnic and religious minorities, tribal Christians are vulnerable to often violent persecution on two fronts. Converts who are among the one million Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar face huge pressures from their community, including death threats. Christians who bravely share their faith with others are also particularly in danger of hostility.
– Some extremists took advantage of 2025’s political turmoil to violently persecute Christians. Pray for healing for these believers.
– Pray that Christians who convert to follow Jesus and face pressure from both family and community will know they are not alone.
– Thank God for the brave, resilient faith of many believers in Bangladesh, who continue to walk with Jesus despite the risks.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Bangladesh through initiatives including emergency aid, the provision of Bibles and other literature, and discipleship training.
