Bangladesh (MNN) – As 2025 rounds to a close, Bangladesh, currently led by an interim administration, looks ahead to upcoming elections scheduled for February. While three parties are expected to contest for leadership, only the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) commands a wide base of voters. Yet this party is itself in a fractious state, with its leaders ill or abroad. Minority groups, including Christians, are concerned the shaky, vulnerable political scene could bolster extremist groups looking to exploit the power void.
Indeed, Christians on the ground say a change in the spiritual atmosphere is already taking place.
Patrick Anthony with FMI says pastoral partners recently took a ministry-focused trip to Dhaka. They saw more hostility toward religious minorities, particularly Christians, than they have in the past.
“They talked about a Muslim cleric who was announcing on the streets that people in the country needed to stop Christian workers from converting Muslims to be Christians,” Anthony says.
He points out that one of the greatest gifts we can give our Christian brothers and sisters in Bangladesh is prayer support, as they often feel isolated from the broader Christian community while surrounded by the country’s Muslim majority.
“If there is an issue – if they have a neighbor who has decided to vandalize their property or perhaps wants to do worse – our ministry leaders and their families can feel pretty alone very quickly,” he says.
Meanwhile, ministry continues in the face of hardship, as turbulent times often drive people to the source of truth and hope: Jesus Christ. Anthony says the FMI team is focused on supporting and resourcing the local church.
“Our leadership team is constantly looking for new ministry leaders to bring on to their roster: to encourage them and help them get their church plants on their feet,” he says.
Please pray that as the citizens of Bangladesh seek wise leadership, they would even more earnestly seek the Lordship of Him whose power, authority, and love transcends all earthly thrones.
If you feel led to support the effort of FMI and the local church in Bangladesh, consider sponsoring a pastor through a financial partnership with the ministry.
Above: Muhammad Yunus has been serving as Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh since August of 2024. Featured photo:Election Commissioners of Bangladesh, 2024. Photos courtesy of Delwar Hossain via Wikimedia commons.
