Our local partners in Bangladesh (
No. 26 on Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List) are calling for urgent prayer for the country and Christian converts who left Islam to follow Jesus.
The South Asian nation is in significant turmoil after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, seeking safety after
weeks of anti-government protests alleging rampant corruption throughout her regime.
With Hasina’s resignation, Bangladesh’s constitutional process requires the formation of an interim government to manage the country's affairs. The army chief has stepped in to oversee this transitional period until a new ruling party is established. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile.
Over the last three weeks, millions of protesters took to the streets, expressing their dissatisfaction about a quota system that would award jobs to the children of fighters in Bangladesh’s war of independence. This led to a violent crackdown on the dissent by government forces. Government structures were targeted and in a particularly striking act of boldness, many individuals entered Ganabhaban, the official residence of the prime minister in the nation’s capital, Dhaka. Reportedly,
at least 20 people have been killed in the violence since her resignation, adding to the more than 90 deaths on Sunday—which already marked the worst single-day casualty figure from any demonstrations in Bangladesh’s recent history.
Targeted attacks on Christians
Our partners tell us the instability has given way to attacks by radical groups on minority communities, including converted Christians. In different regions of the country, a rising number of believers’ homes have suffered attacks. Our partners report that many are now hiding, seeking protection and security. House churches have also been burned.
“We spent a sleepless night praying to our Lord for the protection of all our believers,” one partner from northern Bangladesh shared. “In many areas, radical groups are compiling lists of converted Christians to attack their houses. Some homes have already been attacked, while others live in fear and hiding, seeking security for their lives.”
Please pray with and for Bangladeshi Christians in this instability. They are afraid. As the country grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the path to new leadership remains unclear. The current instability raises concerns about the potential for further casualties and damage. As the Body of Christ, the most important thing we can do right now is to pray with our sisters and brothers.
As
Open Doors Founder Brother Andrew often said:
“Our prayers can go where we cannot ... there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.”
- Pray for God's intervention to bring peace and stability to Bangladesh during this time of political unrest. Pray for an end to violence and vandalism, and the protection of all citizens.
- Pray for wisdom and guidance for the interim government and the army chief as they navigate the transition. Ask for discernment and courage so the leaders can make just and beneficial decisions for the country.
- Pray for the protection and comfort of those affected by the unrest. Ask for God's provision for the vulnerable and His presence to bring hope and reassurance.
- Pray for the safety and protection of minority communities, who are facing attacks. Specifically, lift up Christian converts, asking for God's shielding and provision as they endure threats and violence. Pray for their safety, security and courage as they hide and seek protection from radical groups.
top photo: representative image
