Han Chinese, Mandarin in Bangladesh

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world. Most Chinese expatriates in Bangladesh are based in Dhaka and Chittagong and consist largely of diplomats or employees of foreign companies.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chinese food enjoys large popularity and is widespread in Bangladesh, with there even being Bangladeshi-style Chinese cuisine. Chinese women successfully run well-patronized beauty parlors. On a local level the Chinese celebrate social and cultural events such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year. There is also a Bangladesh-China People's Friendship Association (BCPFA), which has been active since 1986.
The Han Chinese have maintained their language to varying degrees. They also continue living by their traditional customs, especially those regarding marriage and the family. One of the primary reasons they have kept their own language and customs is because they have a deeply-ingrained belief in the superiority of their culture.
Han Chinese children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies. The Han Chinese will go to great lengths to avoid disputes, but once a conflict begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face."

What Are Their Beliefs?

Having grown up with communism, many Han Chinese are atheist, but many embrace traditional Chinese religion characterized by a blending of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Chinese communities remain largely unreached with the gospel.

What Are Their Needs?

The Han Chinese are tied to things of the earth, but many evangelistic tools are available in their language. These precious people need caring Christians to introduce them to the One who can truly set them free.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord will grant favor to the mission agencies that are focusing on the Diaspora Han Chinese.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Han Chinese towards the gospel message.
Pray that Han Chinese believers will begin to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
Pray that Christian broadcasts, evangelical literature, and the JESUS Film will be widely distributed to the Diaspora Han Chinese in Bangladesh.
Ask God to use Christian businessmen to boldly share the Good News with the Han Chinese.
Ask the Lord to raise up a church planting movement among the Diaspora Han Chinese.

Text Source:   Joshua Project