BANGLADESH: ‘MY SAVIOUR WILL CARRY ME THROUGH THIS STORM’

The rise of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh continues to target CHRISTIANS from Muslim backgrounds, who face direct threats, exclusion and constant pressure to renounce their faith. Yet in the midst of these challenges, courageous individuals like Masud* stand as living testimonies of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.   

What persecution looks like for Masud

Masud (name changed) is 38 and lives in western Bangladesh with his wife and their five-year-old son. He’s a relatively new believer, and many like him choose to keep their faith undercover, because they know the dangers they face. But Masud is is open about his new faith, he’s desperate to share Jesus with the people in his community. He serves as a local evangelist, regularly worshipping God in the open yard of his house with five fellow house church members.  

Like many other converts from Islam,he’s been rejected by his own family. They pressured him to give up his new faith, but Masud refused and has continued to stand firm in his Christian beliefs.   

This pressure has got worse recently – and it doesn’t just affect him. Masud couldn’t enrol his son in the local school because the people in his area were harassing him – even though he’s only five years old. Fearing further mistreatment, Masud enrolled him in a school near his in-laws’ home instead. His wife also faces harassment from other women in the community, who attempt to manipulate and pressure her because of Masud’s faith. 

His community have turned against him too. His neighbours constantly make fun of him for his faith, making daily life hard. During Ramadan, when Islamic religious practices intensified, a government official who had been threatening Masud declared that if Masud did not renounce his faith before Eid he would be brutally beaten.

“I am not afraid of these threats” 

Following the threats, local Muslim leaders instructed people not to buy from his small medicine shop, significantly reducing his customers. Not only does he now live in fear, but he is also struggling financially as he tries to navigate these challenges while providing for his family.  

Masud shared, “Ever since I received Christ, I have faced countless persecutions and struggles, but these recent threats are by far the most intense. But still, I am not afraid, because I know my Saviour will carry me through this storm, just as He has done before.”   

Masud and his family are currently safe for now, but he requests prayers for the continued safety of his family and for strength from the Lord to endure.  

*Name changed for security reasons