BANGLADESH: HOW YOUNG CHRISTIANS ARE BEING TARGETED

Around the world, children are particularly vulnerable to faith-based persecution. Sometimes they are targeted to destabilise families and communities and to undermine the future of the church. Sometimes, if they choose to convert, they are persecuted by their own families.

Bangladesh is just one of many countries where young believers face persecution. In this interview, Sister Hadassah – an Open Doors partner who supports Rumana and her family, among many others – explains the persecution they face and how their faith remains resilient, with your help.

Why are Christians persecuted in Bangladesh?

The Bangladesh Constitution gives every citizen the right to ‘profess, practise or propagate’ any religion. However, this so-called freedom is on paper only; the reality is quite different.

In Bangladesh, 90% of the population is Muslim, and the constitution says the national religion is Islam. Due to social and religious prejudices, Christians face more direct persecution and pressure from their family, relatives, non-believing community and radical Muslims.

How are Christian children persecuted in Bangladesh?

The main persecutors of Christian children are non-Christian relatives, neighbours, non-believing classmates, playmates, their parents and teachers.

Christian children and youth endure considerable levels of violence if their parents choose to follow Jesus – including verbal, physical and psychological harm. Often, they are bullied, mocked and discriminated against at school. They are isolated and can be even a target for abduction.

Why are children particularly at risk?

I always say that children are strategically targeted because, through their persecution, they can bring damage or ‘shame’ to the family or individual. Our culture is a shame-and honour-based culture. These young people are also the future Christian leaders and influencers. If Christian persecutors can damage or destroy them, they can destroy the next generation of Christians.

Is persecution of children in Bangladesh different from other countries?

It is quite similar to other countries, but since Bangladesh has a strong community-based culture, the community has the greatest influence on every individual’s life. Hence, when the community cuts off all kinds of relationships with the converts and isolates them, that brings huge emotional damage to the Christian children. Also, when they are discriminated against at their schools, children lose courage to attend school and many drop out, resulting in a greater illiteracy rate among young Christians.

What impact is persecution having on families and church communities?

The impact can be positive and negative. Persecution weakens believers financially because, when they become Christians, they often lose their jobs, or people stop business relationships or partnerships, or they lose inheritances and property.

At the same time, those pressures also build resilience, and believers become robust – like transforming from coal to diamond. And in my context, persecution makes believers not only fearful but also makes them more careful. In this case, Open Doors persecution survival training plays a vital role.

How is Open Doors supporting persecuted children in Bangladesh?

Open Doors partners extend various means of support to persecuted children and their families. For example, we provide immediate food assistance, medications, house repairs, tube wells, secure shelter, home education for the children, Sunday school classes, children’s camps, special Christmas celebrations with other persecuted families, legal assistance, persecution survival training and other ministry support and training to build their resilience and sustainability.

Why do persecuted children need the support of Christians around the world?

The support of Christians around the world is urgent because, without it, the future of these precious children would be uncertain. Without support, persecuted believers cannot grow and sustain their faith in Jesus. Ultimately, the churches made up of converts from Muslim, Hindu and tribal backgrounds would die.

We are so grateful to the Lord for preparing the hearts of the global church to stand for the suffering parts of the Body of Christ in our country.