Despite Article 41 of Bangladesh’s constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion, in practice, this freedom remains elusive for those converting from Islam to Christianity.
Mandi De Kosta, a former Muslim who adopted Christianity in 2018 through baptism, has been met with discrimination, harassment, and death threats since his conversion.
Speaking with Joseph Janssen, a human rights defender and EU Today correspondent, Mandi explained, “Since I adopted Christianity, my right to freedom of religion has been violated by both state and non-state actors. I face extreme discrimination, harassment, and threats to my life daily.”
Mandi has faced significant challenges in his attempt to officially reflect his new identity as a Christian.
Despite legally changing his name and publicly declaring his conversion, multiple applications to update his National Identity Card (NID) have been rejected. Despite submitting an official application in November 2022 and attending multiple hearings, the Bangladesh Election Commission has failed to process his request.
Since his conversion, Mandi has experienced violent attacks and relentless social pressure to return to Islam.
“In Bangladesh, as in many other countries, it is nearly impossible to change one’s religious status in official documents,” Mandi stated. “No ex-Muslim has succeeded in changing their status from Muslim to Christian on their official papers. Despite this, I will not give up.”
Mandi’s legal counsel, Rebecca Singha, emphasised that the authorities’ failure to address his application is a violation of his fundamental rights under Bangladesh’s constitution. Mandi has vowed to take legal action through the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh if the records are not corrected.
Martha Das, a prominent Christian activist in Bangladesh, highlighted the challenges faced by religious converts: “While conversion is not forbidden by law, immense pressure is exerted on converts to recant their Christian faith. Many are forced to give up their businesses and face social isolation, with little intervention from authorities to prevent such persecution.”
Bangladesh’s constitution promises “equal status and rights” for all religions, but the reality for Christian converts often contradicts these principles. Despite growing persecution, an estimated 91,000 Muslims in Bangladesh have converted to Christianity in the past six years, according to Christian Freedom International.
Jubilee Campaign Stands with Mandi
In response to these challenges, Jubilee Campaign the Netherland has pledged its full support to Mandi’s fight for religious freedom. The organisation has engaged top legal experts to assist in ensuring that Mandi’s Christian identity is recognised in his NID and passport. Jubilee Campaign is also advocating for broader protections of religious freedom, freedom of expression, and constitutional rights in Bangladesh.
Christians in Bangladesh face persecution in various forms, including violence, social pressure, and economic boycotts. “Conversion is not forbidden by law, but pressure to recant the Christian faith comes from family, friends, and neighbours,” the report states.
Rights groups, including Jubilee Campaign, are calling on Bangladesh to uphold religious freedom and human rights for all citizens, regardless of their faith or background.
