Welcome

Over 160 million people live in an area smaller than Iowa. Bangladesh is the 8th most populous country. After civil war in 1971, the country declared Islam its official religion in 1988. Today, 89% are Muslim, and Christians make up half a percent. William Carey translated the Bible into Bengali. Today, indigenous missionaries effectively continue the work of evangelism and discipleship.

Bengali is the third most populous unreached people group or frontier people group in the world with over 200 million unreached. There are 299 people groups and over 276 are unreached people groups in Bangladesh. The country is located in the 10/40 window. The country currently has 950,000 Christians, less than half a percent.  Source: Joshua Project. 

The Bengali Muslims are the largest ethnic group in Bangladesh. Their Islamic faith present barriers but their hospitable nature offers opportunities. Chakma (700,000) is one of the largest tribes, practicing Buddhism and distinct cultural traditions. Rohingya reside in refugee camps who face dire living conditions. With over 40 languages spoken, linguistic diversity adds complexity. Varying literacy rates require innovative approaches like oral storytelling and audio scriptures.

Bangladesh’s religious minorities have reported looting, arson, and vandalization following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s abrupt resignation last month.

Thousands of young people first took to the streets in June to protest a court ruling that reinstated a civil service quota system many found discriminatory and exclusive. After Hasina insulted protesters, demonstrations escalated into violence.

Christian organizations have recorded data on the churches targeted.

As political instability surge, religious minorities are under attack. Bruce Allen of FMI says, “Anytime you have this social upheaval, it’s usually the minorities that bear the brunt. For Christians in Bangladesh, persecution takes many forms. Some believers are harassed, some are forced to flee their homes, and others face violent attacks. 

 “Last year…through the testimony of our partners, church planters, [and] evangelists in Bangladesh, 2,500 people placed their faith in Jesus Christ." 

Since the government fell, hundreds of cases have been filed, accusing thousands from minority religions of offenses related to the student movement whose protests brought about the government instability. 

These cases have been widely criticized as tools of oppression, weaponizing the legal system against Christians.  Investigations revealed plaintiffs do not even know the names of the accused. It appears that a group is forcing innocent individuals into legal battles.