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After the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Hasina in August 2024, Christians were repeatedly targeted by extremist groups—creating a nationwide wave of violence that forced many believers into hiding. Believers' houses were burned down, Christian-owned businesses were vandalized and forcibly shut down. And believers were threatened, questioned, and even forced to renounce their faith.
Our local partners report that over the last few months, as more Christians have come out of hiding, there has been a resurgence in targeted attacks. It is thought that some of the attackers are affiliated with more radical Islamic groups.
The most severely affected Christians are those who converted from Islam or tribal beliefs in rural areas of Northern and Western Bangladesh. Our partners also report a few scattered incidents in cities.
"Please pray for me. As I'm going through a very challenging period in my life, may God give me the strength to endure this."
Jamal, Bangladeshi believer
While the actual numbers are unclear, our partners on the ground reported 36 verified cases of direct attacks on believers and their properties as well as more than 100 families pressured to renounce their faith. But the real numbers are likely higher since they may not include many more unreported incidents since people may not speak up due to shame or fear for their safety.
Our partners tell us that believers are still vulnerable to attacks because there have been no consequences for those sending threats or carrying out attacks. And many Christians who have suffered attacks have been refused legal assistance from local authorities.
Rajon*, an Open Doors partner in Bangladesh, explains that false teachings and misinformation about Christianity perpetuated by some Muslims contribute to a culture of hatred and discrimination against non-Muslims.
"Some Muslims intentionally spread falsehoods about Christianity," he says, "leading to a distorted perception of the religion and fostering animosity towards its followers."
Open Doors' partners recently visited several affected believers who agreed to share their individual stories on video. All of them asked the global Church to pray. (For security reasons, faces are obscured and names changed.)
Akram* shares that he fears the Muslims around him will burn down his house "or do something else."
Bijoy's* family is also living in fear: "Even now, they are threatening us and trying to scare us," he says. "Please pray for us so that we can overcome these threats and fear."
Jamal* also shares about the threats he and his family are facing: "The current situation is still bad. The Islamic leaders are holding meetings in all the mosques. A few days ago, they held a meeting, and they have plans to attack my house and business and force me out of this area."
Rajon notes that the outcome of the upcoming elections scheduled between December 2025 and June 2026 could affect believers significantly. Radical Muslim leaders could continue to portray Christians as enemies and also promote the idea of establishing a 100% Islamic state. Their extremist agenda includes converting Christian converts back to Islam and targeting church leaders and families, attempting to instill fear and pressure them to renounce their faith.
"If Islamic religious-based political parties assume power," Rajon says, "it is thought that the situation is likely to deteriorate. Conversely, if [more open] political parties take the reins, there is a possibility of improvement, although nothing is certain."
Our partners ask us to join our hearts and voices to pray and advocate for the body of Christ in Bangladesh. And our Bangladeshi family we connected with also asked us to bring their requests to God's throne room:
*Names changed for security reasons
