Official statistics showed that the religious composition in Bangladesh is 89.1% Muslim, 10% Hindi and less than 1% Christian. With a population of 156 million, Bangladesh is named the fourth largest Muslim nation in the world, reports Christian Freedom International (CFI).
Bangladesh may be known as a Muslim country, but many “Uncounted Converts” believe that the country is on a path towards becoming a Christian nation.
Bangladesh may be known as a Muslim country, but many “Uncounted Converts” believe that the country is on a path towards becoming a Christian nation.
In an interview with Christian converts, indigenous Christian pastors, missionaries and street evangelists, CFI discovered that the Christian population in Bangladesh is growing, causing concern for the majority of Muslims. This increase in number also resulted in the escalation of persecution against the fast growing Christian church.
The Christian population in official reports counts only “traditional Christians” or those who were born into the faith and attend state-approved churches. However, those who converted from Islam to Christianity and go to underground churches were not counted.
These “uncounted converts” reveal that Christians in Bangladesh actually make up at least 10% of the country’s population, or 15,600,000.
Evidence supports the new Christians’ claims. Sixty year old Pastor Khaleque, who is a Christian convert, said, “In the last twelve months, more than 20,000 Muslims have converted to Christianity. More than 20,000 have converted and this is becoming a real problem for the Muslims.”
Pastor Rafiqul Islam, who converted in 2007, pastors a church of 25 converts in a house church in the village Bhadai.
He said, “More people are converting every day. Although persecuted, we are preaching the Good News.”
Pastor Rafiqul Islam, who converted in 2007, pastors a church of 25 converts in a house church in the village Bhadai.
Young people are also converting to Christianity. “The young like me, are converting. Many more are interested,” revealed Babul, 22. “Especially young people, they are interested in Christ. But they think about the cost of converting and it is high because they have to leave everything. But many are interested in Christ.”
Sources:
Christianfreedomorg. (2017). Christian Freedom International. https://www.christianfreedom.org/despite-persecution-christianity-is-exploding-in-bangladesh/
Christiannewswirecom. (2017). Christiannewswirecom. http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/5153979232.html
