Bangladesh

Praise Points

Independence and Identity (1971) – God allowed Bangladesh to be a sovereign nation: “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (Daniel 2:21).

Rich Agricultural Land – The fertile soil of Bengal provides food for millions: “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest” (Psalm 85:12).

Resilience of People – Bangladeshis show a strong survival spirit despite poverty and disasters: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Prayer Points

Religious Intolerance – Rising radicalism threatens minorities: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10).

Corruption and Injustice – Weak governance erodes justice: “Woe to those who make unjust laws” (Isaiah 10:1).

Poverty and Natural Disasters – Frequent floods and storms endanger lives: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:7).

A Call to Salvation

Teach the next generation to grow in their faith – “One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)

Stand firm against cultural compromise – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

Strengthen fellowship and discipleship – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Once part of ancient Bengal, Bangladesh has a long history of kingdoms, Mughal influence, and British colonial rule before becoming East Pakistan in 1947 and later gaining independence in 1971. Its culture is rich in poetry, music, art, and devotion to family values, blending Islamic traditions with centuries-old Bengali heritage.

Christianity came to Bengal in the 16th century through Portuguese missionaries. It was later reinforced by Baptist leaders such as William Carey in the late 1700s, who translated the Bible into Bengali and spread education. Despite this, Christians remain a tiny minority. Today, Bangladeshi Christian teenagers face immense struggles, including discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of opportunity.

Divisions among Christian denominations and a lack of unity within the Church have weakened their influence, leaving young Christian Believers vulnerable to isolation and pressure to abandon their faith. For Christianity to survive in Bangladesh, Believers must return to biblical unity (John 17:21), discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20), and holiness (1 Peter 1:16), becoming light in a society that often overlooks them.