In the year since the fall of the government, Christians in Bangladesh have lived in the shadow of violence and fear.

It has been a year since Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country following widespread protests. But for Christians and other minorities in the country, the resulting power vacuum has led to violence and fear.

The nationwide wave of violence which followed the Prime Minister’s departure saw targeted attacks on Christians with Open Doors sources recording over 100 families pressured to renounce their faith.

Amin* survived the attacks which started on 5 August 2024. “At around 5:30pm, a group of extremists destroyed and looted my decorations shop,” he said. “They also threatened to kill me. I got to know that the reason for this destruction was because I’m a follower of Jesus Christ.”

Partners on the ground also reported 36 verified cases of direct attacks on Christians and their properties. Since then, many Christians have been forced into hiding for fear of their lives as opponents have ramped up the rhetoric agains them.

“Some Muslim leaders are portraying Christians as enemies and promoting the idea of establishing a 100% Islamic state,” says Rajon*, an Open Doors partner in Bangladesh.

“This agenda includes converting Christians back to Islam and targeting church leaders and families to instil fear and pressure them to renounce their faith.

“Some Muslims intentionally spread falsehoods about Christianity, leading to a distorted perception of the religion and fostering animosity towards its followers.”

Instability and injustice

These months of instability and uncertainty have provided fertile ground for the growth of extremist groups. In such a volatile atmosphere, religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus and Buddhists become even more vulnerable than usual.

Radical Islamist groups, including Hefazat-e-Islam and Hizb ut-Tahrir, have expanded their influence. There have been widespread reports of mob violence, forced conversions, vandalism of places of worship and some groups are calling for stricter blasphemy laws with harsh penalties.

Converts from Islam and tribal people – particularly from the Christian Bawm ethnic group – in rural areas of Northern and Western Bangladesh are among the most severely affected. And when attacks do happen, Open Doors partners say those responsible have not been arrested.

“The lack of justice and accountability for perpetrators of persecution further exacerbates the situation,” says Rajon.

Uncertain future

Elections scheduled between December 2025 and June 2026 have the potential to significantly affect Christians.

Rajon adds: “If Islamic religious-based political parties assume power, it is thought that the situation is likely to deteriorate. If liberal political parties take the reins, there is a possibility of improvement, although nothing is certain.”

Bangladesh is ranked at number 24 on Open Doors World Watch List, the annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Although Islam is the state religion, the country’s constitution guarantees equal rights and freedom of religion for Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and others. But some pressure groups are arguing for a rewording, and Christians fear that will mean even less religious freedom.

Please pray for our brothers and sisters, and for all who are vulnerable.

* Names changed for security purposes