Ethnic Bengalis are the original inhabitants of the Bengal region which straddles Bangladesh and West Bengal, a state in India. Bengali is their language, and it is one of the largest in the world. While the vast majority of Bengalis live in Bangladesh and northeast India, some have migrated to other countries such as Canada. In general, the Bengalis are a proud people, highly ambitious, and always striving for excellence. They have always been noted for their cultural achievements, especially in the area of literature.

Many moved to Canada in the early 1970s when Bangladesh became a sovereign state. Distinct Bengal communities formed in Toronto and London, Ontario. Those who were able to go to Canada were often either students or people with valuable professional skills such as in business.

Bengalis have strong family ties. At first, they maintained their culture by speaking Bengali at home and bringing spouses from the old country. In spite of their efforts, second-generation Canadian Bengalis have assimilated into Canadian culture. A new generation of Bengalis has been born in Canada, one that questions the traditional values of their parents. Bangladeshi girls are rebelling against tight constraints and arranged marriages. Some band together in the Bangladesh Association to strengthen ethnic solidarity through cultural and religious events, while others rarely attend these events. Some Bangladeshis are concerned about the drug addiction and sexual promiscuity around them, and they often turn to Islam for answers. They may be open to Christ if they see true believers living out their faith and presenting the gospel in a loving manner. The Canadian government gives preferential treatment to those with valuable skills. For that reason, they often allow immigrants with professional skills in engineering, accounting, teaching or medicine. Many own businesses like grocery stores and restaurants where they serve delicious Bengali dishes. Others have skilled blue-collar jobs in plumbing or welding.

The majority of Bengalis in Canada are Sunni Muslims, while the rest are Hindu. These two religious communities rarely mix. Be they Muslim or Hindu, they have varying degrees of dedication to their religious beliefs.

Like all peoples of the world, Bengalis in Canada need to put their hope and their identity in the person of Jesus Christ.

Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Bengalis in Canada towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel. Ask the Lord to raise up strong Bengali churches that will reproduce themselves, spreading the fragrance of Christ in their community. Pray for loving ambassadors of Christ to go!

Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, Bengali-speaking in Canada.