Paris, France; March 16, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed profound concern regarding the recent detention of a married lesbian couple by the Mongla police station in Bargethat. The detention followed a homophobic local public protest against the couple's expression of their sexual orientation and their marriage on April 13, 2024.
The France-based rights organization is deeply troubled by the police's actions in detaining the couple for 24 hours solely because of their decision to marry as a same-sex couple. JMBF views this incident as a blatant violation of the couple's constitutional rights and their dignity.
Reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh detail the story of Suborna, a lesbian woman from Narayanganj, who met another lesbian woman named Tonni in Bagerhat. The two women reportedly connected through social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, eventually developing a deep love for each other over the course of 2 to 3 months. Their friendship blossomed into a commitment to marriage, culminating in their wedding ceremony on April 12, where they exchanged vows and performed the rituals with reverence, touching the Holy Quran.
However, news of their marriage quickly spread throughout the community, leading to local residents informing the police on the morning of April 13. The police arrived in the afternoon and arrested the couple, subsequently holding them in custody at Mongla Police Station. On April 14, both Suborna and Tonni were handed over to their guardians.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, stated that the detention of the lesbian couple by the police is a clear violation of their human rights, including the right to marriage and privacy. He urges the government to ensure these rights for every citizen, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, in alignment with international norms and standards.
JMBF asserts that the detention of the lesbian couple by the police is a blatant form of discrimination against sexual minorities, unfortunately reflecting a broader pattern of human rights abuses against sexual minorities in Bangladesh.
JMBF urgently calls on the relevant authorities to take immediate action against those responsible for this reprehensible act of interfering with personal lives and privacy.
JMBF strongly condemns the actions taken against the lesbian couple and calls for swift justice to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld without discrimination based on sexual orientation.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France urges for the constitutional recognition of homosexuals people in Bangladesh and demands the repeal of Section 377 of the Penal Code and the enactment of laws to safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
JMBF stands in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, equality, and human rights for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
============================================================ Advocate Shahanur Islam | An Young, Ascendant, Dedicated Human Rights Defender, Lawyer and Blogger from Bangladesh, Fighting for Ensuring Human Rights, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Peace and Social Justice For the Victim of Torture, Extra Judicial Killing, Force Disappearance, Trafficking in Persons including Ethnic, Religious, Sexual and Social Minority People.
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