Bangladesh, South Asia
Population: 150,448,339
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 45th
Political Leader: Prime Minister
Begum Khaleda ZiaReligious 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.
