33Bangladesh

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 immense pressures from their community, including death threats.

Meet Jorina

“We’re under a lot of pressure, living in fear and panic. They forbade us to spread the name of Jesus.”

Jorina* (not her real name) 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 does Open Doors do to help?

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