“I will not compromise my 27 years of faith even for 27 seconds, even if I have to die for it.”
Anish
These are the faithful words that Anish, a Christian from the southwest region of Bangladesh, spoke last month to the hostile group who had summoned him to a public discussion.
Twenty-seven years ago, Anish made the bold decision to leave Islam and trust Jesus. And suddenly, Anish found himself in front of his village’s Islamic leader and at least 10 other Muslims, defending the decision he made almost three decades ago.
“Only God can ensure my security,” Anish continued, unflinching, “as He has been doing for me and my family for the past 27 years. And I know He will continue. I know the risk has not decreased but has increased, and I also believe that the greater the odds, the greater God’s provision for me.”
Like the apostle Paul before the Sanhedrin (Acts 22) and
many others who stand for Christ in the face of fear, Anish boldly shared his faith, explaining why Jesus is the only way for salvation and why the Bible is his only truth. The group questioned him, attempting to prove him wrong. But Anish remained firm, unshaken.
A threatening confrontation
The bold declaration set in motion a chain of retaliation toward Anish, his wife and their three sons who have also faithfully followed Jesus. When Open Doors local partners met with him to hear his story, he shared about the recent events and how the pressure began.
Though Anish and his family have faced persecution before for their faith, the current political issues in Bangladesh have exacerbated the situation. Before the recent elections in February, Islamic extremism had risen to new heights. Anish says that a group of Islamic fundamentalists associated with a local political group whose leader won in the recent election began questioning him about his faith, specifically his name. In Bangladesh, “Anish” is commonly known as a Muslim name. He told them he is a Christian and that all the Muslims in the area know about his faith. He had never changed his name and had no plans to do so. Still, they continued to pressure him.
After the confrontation, the family limited their movement, knowing the pressure would likely increase and that his family could be targeted.
The boiling point
As Anish expected, his oldest son, a senior in college, was targeted by the local Islamic political group at his university. They spread false accusations on social media, claiming he had a relationship with a Muslim girl while hiding his faith. But the young man followed his father’s lead.
Surrounded by 50 young men, facing the risk of a public beating, Anish’s son boldly declared his identity as a Christian.
“Christianity teaches us to forgive our enemies”
Anish
Then late last month, the pressure reached a boiling point. In the early morning hours, around 6 am, a group of 10 to 15 Islamic leaders armed with knives and sticks came to Anish’s house and banged on the door, demanding he come out. Anish quickly phoned a local police officer he knew and asked for help.
The police arrived in plain clothes instead of uniforms to a chaotic scene. In between the shouting and death threats, the police inspector demanded the group stop and explain their actions. Not knowing he was a police officer, the group insulted him. That’s when the police arrested six of the men, while the others fled. For his safety, Anish was also taken into police custody.
Later that day, the police asked Anish what action he wanted to take. No one was prepared for his response:
“Christianity teaches us to forgive our enemies,” he said. “I do not want to file a case against them. As a law enforcement agency, you may proceed according to the law.” In front of about 60 people, including the police District Commissioner, the accused men gave a written statement, saying they would not repeat such actions, not only against Anish but also against other believers, especially converts from Islam. They acknowledged that everyone has the legal right to choose and follow their religion in Bangladesh.
‘Persecution has made me strong’
Following the incident—and due to a potential terrorist threat in Bangladesh—police have increased security around Christian organizations in the area. They have also advised Christian leaders to contact them whenever they face any issues.
For Christians in Bangladesh, life has been severely interrupted, especially for converts from Islam. Anish, who earned his livelihood driving a tricycle, can no longer work. He remains inside the house with his wife and their infant son. Complicating life even more, Anish’s landlord has asked him to find another place to live as soon as possible, fearing repercussions in the charged political climate. The family is now looking for a new home.
The lives of Anish’s sons have also been uprooted. Anish sent his oldest son to stay with relatives in a safer place. His younger son, 13, can no longer attend school. The family has faced continuous persecution and hardship but has never compromised their faith.
“Persecution has made me strong,” Anish says, noting that his concern is for his sons. “My sons are still young. Please pray that God will protect them. My oldest son has his final exams in early June. Please pray that God will protect them when they go outside.”
The local police are also pressuring the family for their decision to officially change their religion in government records. As extremist Muslims continue to look for ways to increase their influence, Christians’ decision to publicly change their religious status has become an issue.
Because of your partnership with Open Doors, our local partners are able to stand alongside Anish and his family during this difficult time, praying with them and providing emergency food support to meet the needs of this family whose father can no longer work.
Our partners are also seeking ways to continue supporting Anish so that he and his family can remain under God’s protection and can continue to stand fearlessly in their faith.
Pray with us
- Pray that God will protect Anish, his wife and his sons from all harm. May the Lord be their refuge and shield in this time of danger.
- Pray especially for his sons, that God will protect them in their studies and daily life. Pray for peace and focus for his oldest son as he prepares for his exams.
- Pray that Anish and his family will continue to stand firm in their faith despite ongoing pressure and threats. May the Holy Spirit strengthen their hearts and help them remain faithful.
- Pray that God will provide for their financial needs, as Anish is unable to work and the family is going through hardship. Pray also that God will bring peace in the area, that such persecution will stop, and that truth and justice will prevail in the community.
