“They put the light on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”
After the recent violence in Khagrachhari, southeastern Bangladesh, the local Christian communities are in deep fear and despair. Churches and schools were attacked, and several families fled their homes. Many young people now say they feel hopeless about their future.
According to the Christian Daily International (CDI), a local church official said, “Even after finishing school, there are no job opportunities, and we live in fear of violence breaking out at any time. We are surviving without any protection from the government.” Another church leader added, “This is not just a regional conflict, but the result of systematic discrimination against minority faith communities.”
In early October, tensions between indigenous groups and settlers in Khagrachhari escalated into violent clashes. During the conflict, churches and Christian schools were destroyed, and some believers fled into the mountains and have not yet returned home. The local church association reported, “Dozens of families have lost their homes, and many victims are suffering from deep psychological trauma.”
About 90% of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim, while Christians make up only around 0.5%. Indigenous Christian communities such as the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura peoples are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including Khagrachhari and Rangamati. Despite the signing of the Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997, armed conflict and land disputes continue to plague the region.
Local Christian leaders have sent an official letter to the government, urging a fair investigation and stronger protection for minority groups. However, the Interior Ministry only stated that it is “closely monitoring the situation,” without presenting any concrete measures.
A recent report by Release International stated that Bangladeshi Christians continue to face discrimination in education, public employment, and land ownership. The organization called on the international community to take stronger action to protect religious minorities. A local pastor shared, “We only want to worship in peace and send our children to school. We pray that God will bring justice and restoration to this land.”(Source: Christian Daily International, Edited Version)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
God, we pray that You protect the churches in Bangladesh that are facing discrimination and violence because of the life of Jesus within them. Their light cannot be hidden, like a lamp on a stand. Watch over them and remove every doubt and fear. Help them stay firm in faith even in dark times. Remind them of their calling to shine as the light of the world and to be vessels that share Christ’s love. We ask that the government act justly instead of remaining silent. Let all discrimination against the Christian community come to an end. Through the victorious church in this land, may every hungry and thirsty soul repent and return to You. Let Bangladesh become a nation that worships the Lord with joy and truth.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
