Christmas services get death threats in Bangladesh

Churches in north Bangladesh have received long letters telling believers to ‘say your goodbyes’ ahead of their Christmas celebrations.

For many churches around the world, Christmas services are among the most special of the year. People gather with their loved ones to sing carols and celebrate the Nativity – perhaps sharing gifts, food and joy.

But for some churches in the north of Bangladesh, it will be hard to feel joy this Christmas. Local Muslim extremists have threatened to attack their Christmas celebrations – including threats of murder.

Letter tells believers to ‘say your goodbyes’

Just a few days ago, these churches received a letter from a local hard-line Muslim political party. The letter contained disturbing and frightening words regarding the church’s plans for their Christmas celebration on 25 December.

​The letter said: “In the last few years, our organisation (political party) in Rangpur District and its eight sub-districts humbly requested for you in many different ways to not conduct your religious activities, but it did not work. Now, we are going to take stronger action – Inshallah [Allah willing]. Apart from this, in Rangpur city municipal corporations, those who have been converting from Islam to Christianity, we have a list of your leader’s names. We believe very soon we will get the proper permissions to take actions against those on this list – Inshallah. On Christmas day, at the same time together in 64 Districts, we have plans for that night.”

​The letter also stated: “Many local people have complained against you. You have been converting Muslim people to Christianity for a long time by luring them with money. We know you have baptised hundreds of people in a pool inside your campus. Get ready with your perfect answers when questioned on these matters. We are coming for you – anytime and anywhere.

“Also, you are not going to enjoy your upcoming Christmas meal – before eating remember to say your goodbyes to all your family members and to the world. Alongside this, we give a very special farewell to those who have converted from Islam to Christianity in the Rangpur district.”

A climate of fear

As the letter suggests, these dark threats follow persistent opposition to the Christian community in that region of Bangladesh – particularly targeting those who have encountered Jesus and chosen to leave Islam to follow Him.

“Recently, I have been called by a couple of Muslim religious leaders,” shares a local church leader. “They threatened me not to ‘convert Muslims’ and not to do ministry among the Muslims and Christians from a Muslim background, saying, ‘The situation is in our favour. If you do not listen to our request and continue converting Muslims, we will take strong action against you. So be careful from now on.’”

​The lengthy letter made the church members panic and fear for their safety and protection, especially those from a Muslim background. The threatening message caused a much higher degree of fear, because in Bangladesh’s current political unrest, security is still a big concern for minority groups.

Please pray for God’s divine protection on the lives of believers in Bangladesh, particularly during the Christmas season.