Christian in Bangladesh loses job after facing religious persecution

Raju (pseudonym), a 35-year-old mobile phone service technician in northern Bangladesh, has faced increasing persecution due to his conversion from Islam to Christianity. Following the fall of the previous government on August 5, 2024, hostility toward Christians of Muslim backgrounds, like Raju, has intensified in the country.

Raju operated a mobile phone repair business in a market near his home. However, he began receiving daily threats from radical Muslims who frequented the market. On one occasion, a group gathered outside his shop and publicly demanded that he renounce Christianity and return to Islam, warning him that otherwise, he would be unable to continue operating his business there.

As a result of these threats, Raju’s customers stopped coming to his establishment, leading him to close his business. This situation has left Raju deeply concerned about how to support his family, as mobile phone repair was his only source of income.

Bangladesh is ranked 24th on the 2025 World Watch List, reflecting an environment of growing hostility toward Christian minorities. Converts from Islam to Christianity face severe restrictions, discrimination, and attacks, especially in rural areas where community pressure is most intense.

Raju’s situation is representative of the difficult reality faced by many Christians in Bangladesh, who, because of their faith, are marginalized and deprived of employment and social opportunities.