Bangladesh: Pastor Attacked and Church Members Threatened
A pastor in Bangladesh was attacked by Muslim extremists and members of his church threatened as law-and-order has broken down under an interim government.
Christians are asking for prayer as political turmoil has led to violence against religious minorities.
The White House said it is monitoring the situation and the U.S. will hold the Bangladeshi interim government accountable to protect religious and ethnic minorities in the country.
The pastor, who converted from Islam, fled to a safe house and gave his testimony to Christian Freedom International. CFI removed names for security.
Subject: A Humble Request for Prayer and Support
Greetings.
I was a son of Muslim family. One day, while at the market, I met Brother ***, who shared the good news of Jesus Christ with me. For two years, I studied the Bible, and eventually, I accepted Christ into my heart and was baptized on December 6, 2009. Later, Brother *** sent me to a six-month course at CDC, where I received theology education. Since then, I have been actively engaged in the Lord’s ministry.
However, this journey has not been easy. I have faced persecution from my family, relatives, and villagers. Despite these challenges, the Lord has sustained me through Bible study and prayer. Over time, 25 people from Muslim families accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior Lord, and I now am pastoring two congregations—one in my home and another 2 kilometers away. To support the ministry, I run a tea stall and dedicate tithes of my income to church activities and outreach.
Eight months ago, a group of local religious leaders came to my house and demanded to see the Bible. When I showed it to them, they dismissed it as invalid. I mentioned a few verses about Jesus from the Quran, which angered them. They slapped me and questioned why I referenced the Quran. Frustrated, I called the police, but by the time they arrived, the attackers had fled. On the following day I went to police station and submitted a written complaint and asked for protection. Then police came to the village and assured the villagers that I had the right to practice my faith freely, but the threats continued.
One night at 2:00 AM, I heard four men outside my house, whispering threats. When I alerted my family, they ran away. Another time, a religious leader entered my home early in the morning, pretending to seek refuge. My wife, unaware of his intentions, informed our younger son. But when the man saw my son holding a stick, he fled.
I continued to pray and fast, entrusting everything to the Lord. Meanwhile, I rented a shop to earn for my livelihood. On December 6, 2024, at around noon, the landlord of the shop came and accused me of being a Christian who eats pork, asking me to vacate the shop. Later, at 2:30 PM, some people looted my shop, tore my clothes, and beat me. I fled to the police station, but they advised me to remain quiet, saying the situation in the country was volatile. One policeman was laughing at me and told, “You should be punished for conversion into Christianity.
Currently, my family and I are in hiding, but my elderly mother remains at home to check on things. On December 10, 2024, around 1:00 PM, a young man and two women tried to assault my mother. They insulted her, accusing her of raising Christian sons, and demanded that she should kill her son and grandchildren. My mother is now in tears, constantly praying to God for our safety.
Therefore, I earnestly request your prayers for protection for my family and the members of my congregation during these difficult times.