Bangladesh 1
January 10th

“O Bangladesh, serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul”
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul(Deuteronomy 10:12)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Southern Asia
Population | 174,701,211
Area | 148,460 km², located along the Bay of Bengal between India.
Capital City | Dhaka (23.21 million people)
People Groups | 333 total, with Bengalis making up 98.9% (Shaikh 76%, Sylheti Muslims 6.6%) Urdu Muslims 1.9% and others 10.2%.
People Groups Unreached | 301 (90.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Bengali, English
Total Languages | 48
Bible Translations | Completed 21, New Testament 11, Partial 5
Religion | Christianity 0.42%, Islam 91%, Hinduism 8%, Buddhism 3.8%

》 About Bangladesh

Bangladesh was once a single country along with India and Pakistan, but after liberation from British colonization in 1947, it became independent according to religion. At the time, the country was divided into East Pakistan and West Pakistan with India in between, but after many massacres and struggles, East Pakistan became independent in 1971 as Bangladesh. After independence, economic hardship and corruption led to several military coups, and although the country became a parliamentary democracy in 1972, political turmoil and corruption prevailed for nearly 30 years. Two of the country’s first presidents were assassinated and there have been at least four coups. There have been two legitimate regime changes since then, but Islamic terrorism remains a national risk.

Bangladesh’s economy is based on rice farming, with an abundance of land and labor, and more than half of the population is employed in agriculture. The large population and low wages have led to a large number of garment companies, with garments providing more than 80% of exports. Foreign workers’ wages and remittances are the main source of foreign exchange. In 1970, the country was considered an underdeveloped country, but in recent years, industrial development has led to a significant rise in economic growth. However, 20% of the population lives in poverty, and pollution, poor safety standards, waterborne diseases, lack of infrastructure, and low literacy rates persist. Despite the crisis caused by COVID-19, the economy is now growing significantly and is on the brink of moving from developing to mid-level country status. 
Bangladesh’s GDP per capita is approximately $4,800

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Bangladesh follows the beliefs of Sunni Islam. In recent years, Sunni religious fundamentalist militants have become increasingly powerful and militant. Bangladesh’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, but in practice, the government discriminates against and persecutes Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and ethnic minorities. There are approximately 530,000 Christians in Bangladesh, many of whom are members of ethnic churches among groups like the Santals, Mundas, Khasis, Garos, and Laltes. The number of people converting from Islam to Christianity is growing, but these converts often face isolation and persecution from their families, society, and economic activities. Especially in rural areas, where forming strong networks among believers is challenging, church worship faces significant threats.
Let us pray for the removal of darkness from this land, where religious and ethnic discrimination and tensions are on the rise. May the people of Bangladesh find true happiness by uniting in love and service to God alone. Let us pray that the church in Bangladesh will remain steadfast in reverence to God, worshiping Him with all their heart and soul, regardless of the circumstances they face.

2. There are more than 500 foreign missionaries from nearly 50 denominations and mission organizations. Thousands of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have been active in poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, and development. Christian missions have played an important role in social development programs and their relief efforts are valued by the government. Mennonite Central Committee, Leprosy Mission, Interserve, SIM, OM, YWAM, and others have provided urgent aid to millions of suffering people. The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Compassion, Tearfund, and others are sharing the gospel with many child laborers and millions of sex workers. These NGO ministries face the limitation of making their supporters too dependent on material aid and unable to equip them for ministry. 
Let us pray for the church in Bangladesh to raise up obedient workers for evangelism and missions by training them in the gospel and prayer. Let us pray also for the unity among churches and mission organizations for this work.

3. Bengalis remain the largest unreached people group in the world. Bengali Muslims follow a folk Islam that blends Sufi Islam, indigenous culture, and Hinduism. The gospel was brought to them in 1973 by William Carey of England, but more evangelistic breakthroughs are needed among this people group. 
Let us pray for the true gospel to reach the Muslims of Bengal and turn them back to the God who made them and chose them as His own.

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