Bangladesh

Where Persecution Comes From

In Bangladesh, growing numbers of Christian converts from Islam are facing increasing restrictions and persecution. Radical Islamic groups, local religious leaders and families all play a role in this Christian persecution. Fatwas (specific interpretations of Islamic law) dictate daily life all over the country, especially in rural areas. There is also a strong push to implement Sharia law (Islamic law) to show that the country belongs to the “House of Islam,” and local government officials continue to hinder religious expression for Christians. Atrocities by the Islamic State (IS) are also on the rise, usually targeting “free thinkers,” converts and minority religious groups, including Christians.

How Christians are Suffering

Christian converts from Muslim, Hindu or ethnic and tribal backgrounds suffer the most severe persecution for their faith in Bangladesh. To protect themselves against attack, they often gather in house churches or secret small groups. Evangelical churches that work among the Muslim majority face attacks and death threats, and historical churches like the Roman Catholic Church are sometimes targeted as well. Tribal Christians are doubly at risk due to their status as ethnic and religious minorities, experiencing persecution in the form of land seizures and violence.

Examples

After converting to Christianity, former Muslims are frequently hindered from accessing community resources because of their faith.

In schools, Christian children are forced to use Islamic textbooks, which are distributed by the government.

In November 2016, more than two dozen priests and aid workers reported receiving death threats. Just a month before, three Roman Catholic priests reported that they had narrowly escaped assassination attempts.