Rising number of converts targeted as political and social unrest engulfs Bangladesh
Your urgent prayers are needed for our family in Bangladesh, with converts targeted amidst an escalating national crisis that’s led to the resignation of its Prime Minister. This article will continue to be updated as we get news from Bangladesh.

A rising number of Christian converts and other religious minorities in Bangladesh are being targeted by radical groups in the wake of ongoing political and social unrest.
Following weeks of anti-government protests, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left her post on Monday 5 August and fled the country. She had been in power for more than two decades. Professor Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Laureate, was sworn in as head of the interim government on Friday (9 August). New elections will be called.
Why is Bangladesh in crisis?
The protests broke out last month over a quota system for government jobs, leading to clashes with government forces. The unrest then escalated, with law and order breaking down.
Many police stations have been looted and destroyed, with some officers killed in the chaos. It’s left police stations almost empty, with minimal police around to protect people. Officers are refusing to return to duty unless nine demands are met, including compensation for the families of deceased officers and ensuring that at least one family member is appointed to an equivalent position.
“Others live in fear and hiding, seeking security for their lives”
Open Doors local partner
In the absence of law enforcement, residents have taken to patrolling the streets, whilst students are controlling traffic. Whilst the violence has subsided since early last week, thefts and burglaries are commonplace, with many perpetrators armed with pistols and other tools used as weapons.
Meanwhile, banks have been instructed to limit transactions to less than 1 lakh (£670) per account, per day, which is hindering daily operations and making it challenging for businesses to run effectively. Daily wage earners are particularly suffering due to reduced employment opportunities.
Converts fearful and in hiding
Opportunistic criminals and radical groups are exploiting the situation, leading to widespread violence and vandalism against minority communities. They are ‘taking revenge’ on them because of the protection they feel was given to them by the previous government.
Converts from Islam to Christianity are among those targeted. At least seven incidents have been reported across Bangladesh. In one incident, a man nearly died when a man approached him with a knife. His home was also ransacked (see picture). Other homes have been attacked and looted, and churches have been illegally occupied. Many openly professing converts are in hiding, seeking safety because of threats from local radical leaders. The lack of police protection is adding to their vulnerability.

“We spent a sleepless night praying to our Lord for the protection of all our believers,” shares a local partner from northern Bangladesh. “In many areas, radical groups are compiling lists of converts to attack their houses. Some homes have already been attacked, while others live in fear and hiding, seeking security for their lives.”
Local partners are staying at home and limiting their movement to keep stafe, but they are working tirelessly to get in contact with as many believers as they can. “We are finding ways to reach them so that they can survive and overcome the emergency,” says the partner. “No one is secure, especially the minority groups. They are very vulnerable and easy targets for the perpetrators.”
Local communities are trying to protect their homes and religious structures by forming small groups, especially at night, due to the absence of adequate law enforcement. Reports in various newspapers indicate that many pilgrims, particularly Hindus, are attempting to flee to India illegally, leading to increased border restrictions. Officials have stated that efforts are underway to address the attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities.
This is an unprecedent crisis for Bangladesh and the path forward is unclear. Given the ongoing instability and unrest, there is huge concern over the potential for yet more damage and suffering. “Please pray for us as we don’t know what is going to happen next,” asks the partner.
- For the immediate restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, and for economic stability so that more people can return to work
- For wisdom, guidance and courage for the interim government, and that they will seek the welfare of all Bangladeshis
- For the safety of all minority groups facing attacks, and that believers will feel upheld by God’s love.
Would you like to meet your persecuted family? Our regional Standing Strong events return next month and we’d love for you to join us! You’ll be able to ask our speakers questions and pray with them. There will be a time of worship and further opportunities to glimpse what life is like for millions of believers worldwide. It’s an experience not to miss!