Bangladesh

Partner with Local Missionaries in Bangladesh

Located in the 10/40 Window

With more than 160 million inhabitants living in an area slightly smaller than Iowa, Bangladesh is one of the world’s most populous and densely populated countries. The South Asian country is bordered by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh used to be part of Pakistan until a bitter civil war led to independence in 1971. The country declared Islam its official religion in 1988. Since then, the Bangladeshi government has taken the initiative to propagate Islam, providing financial assistance to mosques and organizing the training of imams. Today, 89% of the population is Muslim.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s poorest countries, with nearly half of the population subsisting on less than one dollar per day. However, with the help of international development assistance, Bangladesh is making significant progress in economic growth, food production, and universal education. Almost half of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector. Garments are the backbone of Bangladesh’s industrial sector.

The Christian population comprises an extremely small percentage of the population, less than a fraction of 1%, and faces persecution from Muslim communities and radical Muslim groups. Multiple Islamic terrorist groups, including the Islamic State (ISIS), have networks in Bangladesh. Many Christians meet in underground house churches. Believers who belong to ethnic minorities face the highest levels persecution, like those from the Rohingya refugee population, nearly 1 million of whom live in Bangladesh.

In the early 1800s, the English missionary William Carey ministered to the Bengali people and translated the New Testament into their language. Today, indigenous missionaries effectively continue the work of evangelism and discipleship. Christian Aid Mission assists multiple ministries that are working among the Bengali majority as well as many ethnic minority groups. Missionary support is their greatest need, along with funding for discipleship and training programs, which are desperately needed to ensure new believers are grounded in God’s Word.

These ministries are also engaged in compassionate outreach, including providing education to poor Muslim and Christian children, running feeding centers that provide nourishment to hundreds of children, and sheltering orphaned or abandoned children.

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook

174 million

Population

Unknown

Evangelical Population:

299

People Groups:

276

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Bangladesh

Pray that God would pour out His spirit on the people of Bangladesh to open blind eyes to the truth.
Pray that people battered by poverty and discrimination would be healed, strengthened and redeemed by Christ’s love.
Pray for protection and provision for brave believers and indigenous missionaries risking everything to share the hope of the gospel in this difficult mission field.

More stories from Bangladesh

Missionaries Assist After Flooding Devastates Bangladesh

Fifty-one people have died and more than 1 million are stranded after recent catastrophic flooding and landslides in Bangladesh. “The southeast part of the country has been seriously affected,” a local ministry leader said. “Many people, including our believers, have lost their houses and are living in a difficult situation without food and shelter.”

Assist With the Care of Vulnerable Children in Bangladesh

Will you help a local ministry care for 25 children living in its hostel for persecuted families as well as 300 additional children it supports in rural villages and in city slums? “Our aim is to provide an education to these children, which changes their world both spiritually and physically,” the ministry leader said. Your gift of $50 will help toward the $2,222 funding goal. Pray these children will have opportunities for a better life.

Bring the Hope of the Gospel to Remote Places in Bangladesh

Local missionaries recently traveled to 13 villages to share the gospel message. During these visits, which often required journeying into remote mountain places, the ministry leader shared stories from the New Testament; and missionaries distributed Bibles and hymnals to the people, provided leadership training to local pastors, dedicated a child, and gave blankets to the vulnerable. Your gift of $25 or more supports such evangelism and discipleship. Pray the Lord will sustain these dedicated Christian workers.

Assist With the Construction of Wells in Bangladesh

A local ministry requests assistance digging wells for new believers who have been prevented from using community wells by their Muslim neighbors. “We provide wells for such families who are being persecuted,” the ministry leader said. “This is also a great way for witnessing to the community.” Your gift today of any amount will go toward the $4,444 need. Pray the Lord will meet the needs of persecuted believers.

Help With Vehicle Maintenance for Missionaries in Bangladesh

Local missionaries often travel to remote places on difficult roads, and they seek assistance with their transportation needs. Specifically, they need support with the cost for motor fuel and maintenance. Your donation today of any amount will help with the $1,333 need. Pray for the Lord’s protection as these missionaries travel for the sake of the gospel. “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:9-10)

Supply Tube Wells to New Believers in Bangladesh

A ministry requests help as it seeks to provide tube wells to new believers living in poverty. “Many villages had no water for several months,” the ministry leader said. “We want to give them these wells to provide for the needy families.” Each tube well costs $200, and the ministry hopes to be able to provide 20 villages with clean water. Pray that these wells will bring water to those in need.

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