Bangladesh

What does persecution look like in Bangladesh?

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.

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.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Converts from Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are among those most susceptible to persecution, including the tiny minority from the Rohingya in the southern tip of Bangladesh. Christians who bravely share their faith with others are also particularly in danger of hostility.

Meet Jorina

"We are under a lot of pressure, living in fear and panic. They forbade us to spread the name of Jesus."

Jorina and her family have come under intense pressure following the political upheaval in the country; Jorina has a ministry serving persecuted women like her.

What has changed this year?

Though Bangladesh fell by nine places on this year’s World Watch List, the persecution situation remains much the same. Verified violent attacks fell this year, but pressure remains high for followers of Jesus. With elections imminent, the situation facing Christians in Bangladesh is potentially reaching a critical juncture.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Bangladesh?

Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Bangladesh through initiatives including emergency aid, the provision of Bibles and other literature, and discipleship training.

How can you pray for Bangladesh?

• Pray for healing and endurance for these believers. Through much of 2025, Bangladesh dealt with political turmoil in the aftermath of the prime minister’s resignation. Some extremists used this opportunity to violently persecute religious minorities, including Christians.
• Pray for Christians who convert to follow Jesus. Often, they face pressure from both family and community. Ask God to help them 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 risk.