Paris, France; March 2, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the recent discriminatory and hateful remarks made on social media targeting Muntasir Mamun and the LGBTQI+ community. These remarks, made by Hasnat Abdullah (southern region), Sarjis Alam (northern region), the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP), and anti-discrimination movement leader Mahin Sarkar on March 1, 2025, blatantly violate fundamental human rights. Such statements fuel bigotry and intolerance and directly oppose the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.
JMBF is deeply alarmed by the unjust exclusion of Muntasir Mamun from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)based on unverified allegations and under pressure from religious extremists. This decision sets a dangerous precedent of intolerance and exclusion, contradicting democratic values and human rights principles that any responsible political entity should uphold.
JMBF firmly asserts that every individual—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—has the right to live with dignity, participate in public life, and engage in politics without fear of persecution. The hateful rhetoric expressed by certain leaders and activists in Bangladesh is deeply concerning and undermines the nation’s commitment to human rights as recognized under international law.
Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, "This blatant act of discrimination against Muntasir Mamun is unacceptable. Denying LGBTQI+ individuals their basic rights, including political participation, is a step backward for human rights and democracy in Bangladesh."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, added, "LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. The removal of Muntasir Mamun under pressure from intolerant forces is a violation of his fundamental freedoms. We urge all democratic and progressive forces in Bangladesh to stand against discrimination and ensure that all citizens, irrespective of their identity, are treated with equality and respect."
JMBF Demands Immediate Action:
- A public apology from the leadership of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for endorsing hate speech and discrimination.
- Immediate intervention from the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ individuals from political and social persecution.
- Strong action against those who incite hatred and promote intolerance through social media and public statements.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France remains committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and advocating for a just, inclusive, and rights-based society in Bangladesh and beyond.
For media inquiries and further statements, please contact:
Md. Joynul Abedin
Coordinator & Member
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France
Fact in Brief: (according to reports received by reliable sources of JMBF and news published in several newspapers in Bangladesh):
On February 28, 2025 (Friday), the new political party ‘National Citizens’ Party’ (NCP), led by students of the July Uprising, was officially launched in Dhaka. A 151-member committee was formed for the party. However, controversy soon arose regarding the inclusion of Muntasir Mamun in the committee.
Muntasir Mamun was accused of politically working to promote the Western LGBTQ agenda, including advocating for gay and lesbian rights. In response to the backlash, two key organizers of the party—Hasnat Abdullah from the southern region and Sarjis Alam from the northern region—acknowledged the mistake and clarified the party’s stance.
On March 1, 2025, Hasnat Abdullah addressed the issue in a Facebook post:
“Before politics, my identity is that I am a Muslim. I uphold this identity and will always continue to do so.”
“I will never engage in any politics that contradicts my faith or the beliefs of my fellow countrymen. Let me make it clear—nothing against religious values will ever have a place in my or our politics.”
“What happened was an unintentional mistake. We are not infallible. If we make a mistake, consider us your own brothers and correct us. And without any ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’ we will rectify our mistakes.”
Sarjis Alam echoed the same sentiments, stating:
“Before politics, my identity is that I am a Muslim. I uphold this identity and will always continue to do so.”
“I will never engage in any politics that contradicts my faith or the beliefs of my fellow countrymen. Let me make it clear—nothing against religious values will ever have a place in my or our politics.”
“What happened was an unintentional mistake. We are not infallible. If we make a mistake, consider us your own brothers and correct us. And without any ‘ifs’ or ‘buts,’ we will rectify our mistakes.”
“This willingness to correct our mistakes has always been with us, is with us, and will remain with us, InshaAllah.”
Another leader of the anti-discrimination movement, Mahin Sarkar, also responded on Facebook:
“Muntasir Bhai helped arrange a safe home for us, but I was not aware of his activities. I swear by Allah! We do not want homosexuality in Bangladesh.”
Following the controversy, Muntasir Mamun was removed from the central committee of the National Citizens’ Party.
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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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