Bangladesh (MNN) — Islamist hard-liners threaten to fill a political power vacuum in Bangladesh.

Last summer, Bangladesh experienced widespread unrest driven by mass protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and establishing a neutral caretaker government before the general elections.

The demonstrations, led mainly by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), often turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in numerous injuries and arrests.

Victory march by protesters after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Popular support for traditional parties has fallen since then, creating an opportunity for fundamentalist groups.

Scott Clifton with FARMS International says the new political uprising has led to persecution. “Previously, Bangladesh – at least on paper – was a secular government,” Clifton says.

“As it trends towards Islamic nationalism, just as India trends towards Hindu nationalism, that presents problems for anybody who’s not within that group.”

One believer was killed because Islamists found out he was keeping money in his home. Radicals are targeting believers from a Muslim background and those who minister to them.

“Because of this (political) transition, there’s a power struggle going on. There’s less of a police presence, and so that means things like persecution towards minorities in general and Christians in particular, has been increasing,” Clifton says.

“They’ve made lists of people, and they’re following up door to door, going to people and telling them that they should revert to Islam. In some cases, that comes with threats.”

However, there is a silver lining to this political storm. “It’s had an actual positive effect, counterintuitively, on the Church. It’s caused leadership to grow in faith, [and] rely on each other; they’re reading their Word more and more,” Clifton says.

“The Church is not backing down from its work, so we pray for the hearts they’re reaching.”

Consider partnering with FARMS to help local churches establish sustainable businesses that benefit the Christian community in Bangladesh.

FARMS’ mission is “to build back businesses that contribute to the long-term sustainability of (Christian) leaders,” Clifton says.

“It’s not a continual flow of funds, but it’s helping to establish businesses that will support that leader in a sustainable way year by year into the future.”

 

Header image is a representative photo created using AI/Gencra