Hostile
Bangladesh
Until the 21st century, Bangladesh was considered one of the poorest countries in the world. Though there are signs of economic growth, governmental instability continues. Churches are careful when offering relief to the poor and needy because they do not want to encourage false conversions among people claiming faith in Christ solely for economic benefit. While Bangladesh is a majority-Muslim nation with increasing extremism, a growing number among the majority are coming to faith in Christ.
Major Religion
88 percent of Bangladeshis are Sunni Muslims. Less than 1 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
Local Muslim authorities, Islamic extremist groups, families and communities persecute Christians. Hindus persecute believers in the northwestern part of the country, and Buddhist (Chakma) extremists persecute believers in the southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN BANGLADESH
Many Christian groups meet publicly, while others worship in unregistered churches. When Muslims convert to Christianity, they are often forced to leave their community.
Access to Bibles
The Bangladesh Bible Society and the missions community have made Bibles available in several languages, but those in rural areas and especially Muslim converts have difficulty finding and acquiring them. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM serves those expelled from their communities and provides for the medical needs of those injured in persecution attacks. We support Bible distributions and provide for the training of evangelists, church planters and pastors. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Bangladesh
- Pray that church leaders will remain strong in the Lord when facing opposition from Muslim mobs.
- Pray that Bible distributions and evangelism training will effectively equip believers to faithfully share the gospel.
- Pray that Christians injured in attacks will receive the medical care they need and be strengthened in Christ.
- Pray for the outreach efforts of young Christians reaching a volatile area of Bangladesh called the Hill Tracts.
- Ask God for his protection over Christians and churches facing increased violence and threats.
