The Bible Students Fellowship of Bangladesh (BSFB) was officially established in 1974 as a student-focused Christian movement with a vision to reach students across Bangladesh with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to nurture them through Bible study, fellowship, and leadership development. BSFB is an affiliated sister movement of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), connecting it to a global network of student ministries.

The roots of BSFB go back to 1969–1974, when Narayan Mitra from India (UESI) visited Bangladesh several times. During these visits, he ministered among students, formed Bible study groups in hostels, and organized the first student camp in 1974. In 1975, IFES sent Rev. Robert Francis Cutler (Bob) to formally establish the ministry. With the support of Rosalind Gooden, early Bible study groups were formed in Dhaka and other places, including Mymensingh under the leadership of Mihir Sarker. By 1976, the ministry had already begun to spread to different towns.

During the period from 1977 to 1991, BSFB continued to grow steadily. The first national camp was held in 1977 at Notre Dame College, Dhaka, followed by another in Rajshahi in 1980. Mihir Sarker was appointed as the first national staff worker in 1982, and later Rev. Peter D Mazumder joined as the second national staff worker in 1986. Important training initiatives such as the Committee Members Training Camp (CMTC) began in 1987, and regional camps started in 1988. In 1990, Mihir Sarker became the first National General Secretary after completing theological studies in England. However, in 1991, he tragically died in a road accident during a national camp. After his death, Rev. Peter D. Mazumder took over as Acting General Secretary, while Rev. Bob Cutler returned to England. By this time, BSFB had established 9 Bible study groups.

From 1992 to 2014, BSFB experienced significant growth and consolidation under the leadership of Rev. Peter D. Mazumder. The organization celebrated its 20th anniversary in 1993 and Silver Jubilee in 1998. During this period, Rev. Mazumder went to India for theological studies, and Shyamal Dhar served as Acting General Secretary. After returning in 2001 and being ordained in 2002, Rev. Mazumder continued to lead the ministry with renewed vision. During these years, BSFB expanded from 9 groups to 76 Bible study groups, supported by around 10 trained staff workers and reaching many students across the country.

Alongside ministry growth, BSFB also invested in infrastructure and long-term sustainability. In 2005, one acre of land was purchased at Ashulia, Savar, for the Living Water Center, and its foundation was laid in 2009. The center was officially inaugurated in 2013 by Rev. Bob Cutler.

A significant turning point came in 2010, when a short-term outreach team from Australia led by Dr. Keith Benn partnered with BSFB in ministry among ethnic minority groups in the hill tracts. During this outreach, many people expressed that they could not fully understand the Gospel because it was not available in their heart language, and they did not have the Bible in their own languages. This deeply impacted the BSFB team and especially Rev. Peter D. Mazumder, who began exploring how BSFB could serve these “Bible-less” communities.

This led to a new vision for Bible translation. BSFB organized a national camp focused on “Bible Translation,” where many students responded to the call to mission. Partnerships were formed with Wycliffe Australia, and in 2014 translation work began among several people groups, including Kajol, Ruk, and Chaky, later expanding to Kang and Trical groups. Despite challenges, the work progressed with further support from The Seed Company. As a result, four language groups have completed the New Testament and those were dedicated on 21 February 2025.

BSFB continues to serve in a challenging context where, despite constitutional religious freedom, increasing religious conservatism can affect Christian witness. The Church often faces limitations and dependence on external funding. In response, BSFB emphasizes the development of local leadership, sustainability, and a vision to see Christian youth serving in all sectors of society. There is also a growing desire to send missionaries to neighboring countries such as Bhutan and Myanmar.

Today, BSFB has grown into a strong nationwide student movement. It currently involves 2,744 students, with 154 active groups across 35 districts, and has established 9 graduate fellowships. Many former BSFB students are now serving in churches, NGOs, educational institutions, businesses, and leadership roles, contributing to both the Church and society.

BSFB is firmly grounded in biblical doctrines, including the Trinity, the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the sinfulness of humanity, redemption through Jesus Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, the unity of the Church, and the second coming of Christ. These beliefs guide all its ministries and activities.

A new chapter began when Mr. Lasar Banargee became the General Secretary on 1 January 2025. His leadership continues the legacy of earlier leaders while focusing on expanding outreach, strengthening discipleship, developing sustainable ministry models, advancing Bible translation, and building training infrastructure.

From a small student Bible study movement in the early 1970s to a nationwide ministry today, BSFB’s journey reflects God’s faithfulness. With a growing number of students, expanding ministries, and a clear vision for the future, BSFB continues to raise Christ-centered leaders who will impact Bangladesh and beyond.