Bangladesh has seen major political changes this year following elections in February and August, after more than two years under an interim government. Christians in the country are now waiting to see whether the new political situation will bring greater protection and stability for religious minorities.
William Samaddar of FARMS International said the country experienced widespread disorder after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown in August 2024. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus subsequently sought to restore order.
However, Samaddar said Islamic radicalism continued to grow during the period.
"The Islamic radicalists, they grow, they spread it everywhere; they are mobbing. They are killing people. They burn out the police stations," he said.
In the aftermath of Hasina's removal, hundreds of Islamists reportedly raided the property of a FARMS contact in Bangladesh and took his employees hostage.
Samaddar said Christians can face difficulties not only from their communities but also in their economic and political lives after converting to Christianity.
"When a person comes to Christ, it [brings] not only persecution from their community. It's also politically," he said. "They're not getting any loan, any financial support from the government and government organization because you changed your religion and Christianity is always a threat to the Bangladesh government."
FARMS International works with local churches to help Christians develop sustainable livelihoods in the face of political, environmental and personal difficulties. Samaddar oversees the organisation's work in Bangladesh, including programmes designed to help people move out of poverty through sustainable agriculture.
The organisation provides loans to small business owners, including farmers and women raising cattle, pigs and goats. Some recipients are also involved in fishing.
"We are working with them, and giving loans to small business owners: the farmers, the women raising cattle, pigs, goats, and even some are trying to do fishery," Samaddar said.
Bangladesh is a majority-Muslim country, and Samaddar said Christian ministries among indigenous communities continue to face challenges. He claimed that authorities view the spread of Christianity as a threat and said efforts were being made to establish Islamic schools and encourage conversions among tribal communities.
"The government always feels the threat, that Christianity is, like, spreading," he said. "They're sending Islamic people to establish the madrassas, the Islamic schools, and forcefully they are trying to convert [tribal] people."
Samaddar stressed the importance of prayer for Christian ministry in Bangladesh.
"Prayer is the most important thing for us and the missions that we have in Bangladesh," he said.
FARMS is asking Christians around the world to pray for people in Bangladesh to have opportunities to hear the Christian message. It also encourages prayer for Christian families seeking practical support, including stable businesses and livelihoods that allow them to meet their needs and help others.
Based on reporting by Mission Network News.
