*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Bangladesh (click here to view a satellite map)

Bangladesh, South Asia

Population: 144,319,628
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 39th
Political Leader: Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

Initially, after its independence from Pakistan in 1972, Bangladesh's new constitution was remarkably secular in its nature, and strongly supported religious freedom. However, in response to persistent Islamist pressure, the government of Bangladesh has gradually modified the constitution and it now asserts Islam's control at the expense of other religions, thus eroding the religious freedom of the Bangladeshi people. Changes in the constitution have wrought a powerful influence over the concept of Bangladeshi national identity. Today the Bangladeshi concept of nationalism is inseparable from Islam. Non-Muslims are increasingly seen as being not truly Bangladeshi. Despite the continuing existence of Article 41, which states that "every citizen has the right to profess, practice or propagate any religion," there are no laws that guarantee the specific right to proselytize the citizens of Bangladesh. Changes in the constitution have wrought a powerful influence over the concept of Bangladeshi national identity. Bangladeshi evangelists face genuine and significant threats to their lives. Furthermore, severe restrictions are placed on all Christian organizations, as they have to register themselves as NGOs. Most Bengali Christians are converts from the indigenous Hindu tribal peoples. In total there are around 600,000 Christians living in Bangladesh. However, there is evidence of new openness to the Gospel among Muslims.
Prayer Points

	Pray that God will meet the every day basic needs of many poor Bangladeshi Christians.
	Pray that funds and facilities to train leaders would become available.
	Pray that Bangladesh's advanced but increasingly threatened democracy would be protected.
	Pray that new Christian Believers from Islamic background would be strengthened in their faith and courageous in sharing with others.
	Pray that the Christian Bangladeshis have a place of respect among their countrymen.

LORD God Almighty, we thank you for Your love for the people of Bangladesh and ask You to protect their democracy and lead their nation into greater religious freedom. May those who follow Jesus Christ increasingly know Him more intimately and live the kind of lives in their families and communities that would draw their families and friends

ADDITIONAL INFO ON BANGLADESH-

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points