Last week’s elections in Bangladesh brought both hope and caution. Although a centre-right party won and will form the government, Islamic political parties won more seats than ever before.
Islamic movements have become more visible and influential in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Christians, especially ex-Muslims, are concerned that these political victories will put them at greater risk. Open Doors is closely monitoring these Islamic parties’ activities at the local level and their impact on the Christian minority.
Persecution around elections
“In Bangladesh, elections and persecution go hand in hand,” says a local church leader. There was hope that these elections would be different, given that they were the result of student uprisings in 2024 in response to injustice and discrimination. However, in the run-up to the elections, this hope faded as the visibility and influence of Islamic groups increased, often in an intimidating manner.
“I know that God sees our difficulties. I have already told my wife and children not to press charges even if I am murdered.”
In the run-up to the elections, the persecution of minorities, particularly Christians with a Muslim background, increased. In a village in northern Bangladesh, fifteen families were threatened, forcing the men to go into hiding. These threats have serious consequences for the men and their families. Most of them are day labourers whose livelihoods are immediately affected by having to go into hiding.
Pastor Saiful (pseudonym) is one of the men who had to go into hiding prior to the elections. At the time, he said: “We shared our leftover grain with other believers who had nothing. I know that God sees our difficulties. I have already told my wife and children not to press charges, even if I am murdered. Please pray for us!”
Call to politicians
Open Doors calls on all politicians in Bangladesh, regardless of their political affiliation, to ensure that order is maintained throughout the country and to work to implement all the agreements made in the referendum. We also urge all political parties to uphold the constitutional rights of religious minorities, which are based on the secular principle of one of the constitution’s four founding principles.
Bangladesh ranks 33rd on the Open Doors World Watch List.
