BANGLADESH GOVERNMENT BACKS DOWN ON QUOTAS BUT FACE WIDESPREAD DISSIDENCE

Over the past three weeks, student protests in Bangladesh against the reinstated quota system on government jobs for veterans have led to widespread unrest, turning into a regime protest movement with hundreds injured, as many as 174 dead, and over 500 arrested. A nationwide curfew was imposed and access to social media has been restricted.

The protests echo the Arab Spring, where a single issue—here, the quota system—serves as the final straw that exposes the general discontent of the public that has been building up over a long time. From a Christian perspective, one can pray that the thought process and reflections that led people to question and ultimately oppose their government will also lead them to question and reevaluate their faith. This could be the start of an awakening in Bangladesh where 99% of the population are considered unreached with the Gospel.

For the small, persecuted Christian population in Bangladesh, this situation might present an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to those who have lost family or friends, have been injured, or are disillusioned with the current regime. The Church can thus pray that God will use this situation for good, in this highly unreached nation.