Bhumij in Bangladesh
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Bhumij |
| Country: | Bangladesh |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 35,000 |
| World Population: | 1,297,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sylheti |
| Primary Religion: | Hinduism |
| Christian Adherents: | 1.15 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.58 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Tribal - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bhumij people, originally from India, migrated to Bangladesh in search of land and agricultural opportunities. Their name means "children of the soil."
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most of the Bhumij of Bangladesh speak Bangla, Bangladesh's trade language. They are divided into clans and their elders settle social disputes. Rice, fish, and eggs are their staple foods, and as Hindus, they won't eat beef. Many now work as tea-laborers.
What Are Their Beliefs?
While there are a few Christians among the Bhumij of Bangladesh, the vast majority follow a mixture of Hinduism and ethnic religions. They observe many Hindu rituals and feasts and seek spiritual direction from the local village priest.
What Are Their Needs?
The majority of the Bhumij still need to hear the message of salvation in Christ. The Bhumij who have chosen to follow Jesus need encouragement and discipleship.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to raise up and send his children to the Bhumij in Bangladesh. Pray for the hearts of the Bhumij to be receptive to the gospel. Pray for the believers among them to grow in Christ and boldly share their faith with other Bhumij. Pray for a church planting movement among the Bhumij.