#24 in Christian persecution, 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 evangelise 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. The 2025 World Watch List reporting period saw significant political turmoil in the country, as violent riots led to the resignation of the prime minister and 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.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Converts (mostly from Islam, but also from Hinduism, Buddhism or traditional religions) are most at risk of persecution in Bangladesh. While conversions are legal at state level, converts can come under heavy pressure and even violence from their local community. In addition, Christians belonging to ethnic or refugee communities, where they are in a religious minority, can be subject to significant violence.

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What has changed this year?

Bangladesh rose two ranks compared with last year's World Watch List. Though violent protests in August 2024 were largely started by student groups angry about job quota systems, the violence spilled over and targeted Christians. Radical groups used the chaos to attack Christian communities, especially converts. Homes were burned (including house churches) and some believers were driven underground. It was simply one more reminder that life as a Christian in Bangladesh can be fraught with danger.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Bangladesh?

Open Doors works through partners in Bangladesh to provide persecuted preparedness training, discipleship, Bibles and other Christian literature, literacy programmes and socio-economic empowerment, and emergency and immediate aid to victims of persecution.

How can you pray for Bangladesh?

• 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, give them strength to stand firm in their faith, and to bring healing and comfort to the victims of attacks.

• Many believers in Bangladesh were impacted by a cyclone in May 2024. Pray for hope and restoration even as they deal with persecution and recovery from a natural disaster.

• Praise God for the Bangladeshi believers who continue to live as salt and light even though it puts them at risk.