The Bedia (Muslim traditions) are a people group in Bangladesh with uncertain origins. They are also known by names such as wandering Kurmi, Berai, Beria, and Bedia Kudmi in other regions. The name Bedia may come from the word "behara," meaning jungle. Some older descriptions compare them to the Romani people of Europe. While many Bedias follow Hindu traditions, a significant number in Bangladesh follow Muslim traditions and remain largely unreached.
Many Bedia people traditionally work in agriculture. In recent times, some have taken wage labor jobs or other work such as rickshaw pulling. Women in some communities have been involved in dancing and singing. They commonly eat rice along with other grains. Most live in rural areas where education is not always a priority, resulting to lower literacy rates. Family life often centers around close-knit communities, with marriages arranged within the group. They celebrate festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with family gatherings, prayers, and special meals that may include meat dishes and sweets.
The Bedia are Sunni Muslims. They believe Allah is the supreme God who spoke through the prophet Mohammed. They follow the teachings of the Koran and the Hadith to live a righteous life. This includes reciting the Shahada, praying five times a day facing Mecca, fasting during Ramadan, giving alms to the poor, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca if possible. They avoid alcohol, pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for prayer at the mosque on Fridays. Many also rely on spirits for daily needs and use charms or amulets, seeing Allah as distant while spirits affect everyday life.
The Bedia people in Bangladesh need better access to education to improve literacy and opportunities for their children. They need stable jobs and economic development to move beyond traditional low-paying work. Many lack good healthcare and sanitation, especially in rural or mobile communities. Spiritually, they need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ clearly, as there are no known believers among the Muslim Bedia. They need disciples who can share faith in ways that respect their culture while pointing them to Christ.
Pray that the Bedia in Bangladesh will have access to quality education and healthcare that meets their physical needs.
Pray for stable livelihoods and economic improvement so families can thrive without poverty or instability.
Pray for spiritual hunger among the Bedia people and openness to the message of Jesus despite potential persecution.
Pray for workers to be sent to share the gospel and for new Bedia believers to become disciples who make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Bedia (Muslim traditions) in Bangladesh.
ethnographic sources on Bede/Bedia communities in Bengal.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
