Bangladesh - Baptism service - Photo: VOMC

Bangladesh

Bangladesh's history was greatly influenced by traders; Arabs and Persians in the 10th century, and Europeans starting in the 16th century. The country, once considered part of British India, was partitioned as East Pakistan. It eventually gained independence in 1971 after a struggle that resulted in thousands of civilian deaths.

Following the gain of independence, the country faced numerous coups until the first democratic elections in 1991. Since then, it has been governed by a democratically elected government, with the exception of a military-backed control during 2007 to 2008 in an effort to root out corruption.

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world. Churches are careful when offering relief to the poor and needy because they do not want to encourage false conversions among people who accept Christ solely for economic benefit. While Bangladesh is a Muslim majority nation, the government strives to remain secular. The government also actively fights extremism, which is prevalent. Many in Bangladesh are learning more about Jesus and the Bible through YouTube channels. Reports indicate that more than seven million people have watched Christian videos using this technology.

Life for Christians:

Many Christian groups meet publicly, while others worship in unregistered churches. Some Christian Bangladeshi groups often commission missionaries to do evangelistic work within their own country. However, when Muslims convert to Christianity, they are often forced out of their communities. While Bibles are available in many of the country's languages, they can be very difficult to find. And although it is legal to have God's Word, many inhabitants are too poor to afford the purchase of their own Bible.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    The people of Bangladesh are hungry for the Word of God, and in response VOMC is helping to provide Bible training to a group of Christian men who have a strong desire to learn and grow.

    Project Fund: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    164,098,818 (July 2021 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Bengali (98), Ethnic groups (1.1)

    Religions (%)
    Islam (88.4), Hinduism (10), other - includes Buddhism and Christianity (1.6)

    Leader
    President Abdul Hamid (2013)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Based on English common law and Islamic law.

    Source: CIA World Factboo

  • Pray for Bangladesh

    As the Word of God goes forth in Bangladesh through the Christian radio and television broadcasts, may the "Good News" of the Gospel accomplish mighty things in the lives of all who hear it! Pray that the seeds sown in hearts will take root and bear healthy and lasting fruit, and that the spiritual leaders of this country will be ready and equipped to disciple the resulting influx of new believers.

Bangladesh News

  • Church Faces Ongoing Oppression
    Church before and after destruction. - Photo: AsiaNews
    The church in Suandrapara before and after the attacks.
    Photo: AsiaNews

    For several weeks, a small church in Suandrapara, a village of southeastern Bangladesh, has been facing threats from militant Buddhists who were attempting to coerce the Christians to return to Buddhism, even though many of the churchgoers had converted several years before. As a result of the oppression, most of the 50 members of the Bangladesh Tribal Baptist Church have been forced to stay away from their homes for fear of attack.

  • Rohingya Christians Deal with Aftermath of Attack
    One of the victims of the attack recovering in the hospital. - Photo: VOMC source
    One of the victims of the attack recovering in the hospital.
    Photo: VOMC source

    In last week's "Persecution & Prayer Alert," an urgent prayer request was issued for Christians who were recently attacked in a Rohingya refugee camp and the imminent forced marriage of a pastor's daughter to a Muslim man (read more). Since the previous report, more details have continued to come to light.

    The attack occurred in Kutapalong, the world's largest refugee camp. More than 20 Christian families were attacked with at least 12 people injured. A similar attack happened in May 2019 by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army who claim to be fighting for the liberation of the Rohingya. Local police insist that the ARSA is not involved and have downplayed the number of injured.

  • Urgent Prayer Needed!
    Person praying

    Please immediately stop and pray for this critical need right now as it's a very time-sensitive situation and in the process of happening as you read this.... The Voice of the Martyrs Canada has just received news that three Christian families were attacked in a Rohingya refugee camp this past week.

     

  • Christian Convert Released from Prison

    Sisir Islam - Photo: VOM US www.icommittopray.com
    Photo: VOM USA

    A Christian convert from Islam, who had been imprisoned for more than two years, was released on bail recently. Sisir Islam became a believer in 2012 and immediately began sharing Jesus with others in his community, leading 17 friends to Christ.

    On September 23rd, 2014, after returning home from a VOM-supported training centre, Sisir was charged with the murder of a local business man. He later learned that Muslim leaders in his village had accused him of the murder as retribution for his conversion to Christianity.