Paris, 17 May 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially published the “2024 Annual LGBTQ+ Rights Report of Bangladesh” today. Through a press release from the capital city of Paris, the organization outlines a detailed picture of the violence, oppression, and discriminatory behavior faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh from January to December 2024.
The report is based on various national and regional newspapers, online news platforms in Bangladesh, and JMBF’s own investigations and data sources. It presents information on murders, physical assaults, suicides, police harassment, arrests, false cases, and other human rights violations against lesbians, gays, transgender, intersex, and other sexual minorities.
According to the report, in 2024, 396 LGBTQI+ individuals were subjected to violence in 70 incidents across Bangladesh. Political instability, the rise of religious fundamentalist groups, and administrative inaction have severely threatened the safety and fundamental rights of this community. Many have been forced into hiding, which is deeply disheartening and alarming for human rights.
Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and JMBF’s founding president Advocate Shahanur Islam Saikot stated, “The ongoing violence, social exclusion, and discrimination against the homosexual and other sexual minority communities in Bangladesh is not only alarming but also a gross violation of human rights. In a democratic country, protecting citizens' fundamental rights is the state's primary responsibility. But the reality is that these citizens are not even safe to preserve their own existence. We call on the government to immediately adopt effective laws and policies to end this violence and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
JMBF’s chief advisor and prominent French LGBTQ+ rights activist Robert Simon said, “The ongoing violence and persecution against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh is deeply concerning. A state's development is not only measured by economic progress but also by the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and dignity. Unfortunately, Bangladesh has yet to establish a socially accepting environment for sexual and gender diversity. This report by JMBF is not just a document, it is a call—a signal to the global community that now is the time to break the silence and take action.”
He further added, “We hope the international community and human rights organizations will take this report seriously and adopt effective measures to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh.”
The report also states that most incidents of violence received no legal remedy. Many victims could not file cases or were too afraid to approach the police. In such circumstances, JMBF has urged the international community, human rights organizations, and civil society to raise more awareness and take necessary steps on this issue.
JMBF expressed hope that this report will serve as an effective tool in bringing about positive change in the protection of human rights by the government and relevant authorities.
Annual LGBTQ+ Rights Report 2024 in Bangladesh (Summary)
In 2024, incidents of violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ (homosexual) community in Bangladesh have increased alarmingly. According to a report by the human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), at least 396 individuals were victims of various forms of violence in 70 reported incidents this year. These acts of violence include murder, physical assault, suicide, police abuse, and arrest, sentencing through convictions, harassment, death threats, job termination, and attacks and looting of residences and businesses.
At the beginning of 2024, the Ministry of Education included a positive depiction of the life of a transgender teenager through a story called "Sharifa's Story" in the seventh-grade social studies textbook. However, this initiative sparked intense backlash from Islamist political groups and pro-Islamic educators and students. Protests erupted, and under public pressure, the government was forced to withdraw the story from the textbook.
In August, when the old government fell and an interim government was formed under Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the influence of Islamist fundamentalist groups grew alarmingly. Taking advantage of this political instability and the rise of fundamentalism, various groups launched attacks and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. As a result, many homosexual people were forced to live secretly and became homebound due to lack of safety.
Violence against homosexual individuals has been gradually increasing over the past three years. In 2022, 204 individuals were affected in 51 incidents, 219 in 56 incidents in 2023, and in 2024, this number rose to 396 individuals in 70 incidents. This increase indicates a dangerous and unfortunate trend, creating a highly risky environment for the LGBTQI+ population in Bangladesh.
In 2024 alone, five transgender women were murdered in five separate incidents. That same year, 10 LGBTQI+ individuals died by suicide. At least 83 people were injured in 12 incidents of physical assault. In eight incidents, 18 individuals were arrested by local influential groups and police forces jointly. Additionally, 90 people were implicated in criminal cases in 21 incidents, and 41 homosexual individuals were arrested in 17 separate cases. In one incident, based on collected evidence, five transgender women were sentenced to three months in prison after a summary trial.
Four teachers were fired solely because of their sexual orientation. In several incidents, at least one intersex individual's business was vandalized, and three transgender individuals were deprived of their inheritance. In two incidents, 120 transgender women were evicted from their homes, and their houses were vandalized and looted. Additionally, 267 LGBTQI+ individuals were victims of various forms of violence in 24 separate incidents, demonstrating systemic oppression against this community.
Geographically, the Dhaka division recorded the highest number of violent incidents. A total of 238 homosexual individuals were affected in 31 incidents. Next was the Rangpur division, with 86 victims in six incidents, and Sylhet division with 34 victims in 10 incidents. Incidents of violence were relatively lower in Chittagong and Rajshahi divisions—11 and five victims respectively. In Mymensingh division, seven individuals were affected in three incidents.
In terms of identity, among the total 396 victims, 23 were lesbian women, 112 were gay men, one was bisexual, and one was intersex. Most concerning is the violence against the transgender population—269 transgender individuals were persecuted in 43 incidents.
This violence primarily stemmed from Islamic fundamentalist groups, law enforcement agencies, and internal conflicts within the hijra community. In 14 incidents involving fundamentalist groups, 234 individuals were tortured. In 21 incidents by law enforcement, 147 victims were affected. Due to internal conflicts within the hijra community, 89 individuals were attacked in 12 incidents.
Social non-acceptance was identified as a major cause behind the violence and oppression against the sexual minority homosexual community. Due to social rejection, 283 individuals were victimized in 43 incidents. Additionally, due to economic exploitation, extortion, forced labor, and financial abuse, 77 individuals were tortured in 13 incidents. Internal disputes within the hijra community also became a source of violence.
The role of the media has also come under scrutiny. An analysis of news reports published in 2024 revealed that 58% of reports portrayed LGBTQI+ individuals negatively, while only 42% presented them positively.
The legal response is even more disappointing. Of the 70 incidents, formal complaints were filed with the police in only 13 cases, involving 73 victims. In the remaining 57 incidents, 323 victims were unable to file cases—highlighting fear, social pressure, and administrative barriers as the main obstacles to legal recourse.
Notably, among the 13 recorded cases, only 22 perpetrators were arrested in six cases. This limited number of arrests questions the effectiveness of the country’s judicial system and reflects a culture of impunity. Many offenders have not yet been arrested or brought to trial, posing a significant barrier to justice for victims.
JMBF’s Recommendations to Prevent Violence Against the LGBTQI+ Community in Bangladesh:
Members of the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh are regularly subjected to physical abuse, harassment, and social exclusion, creating a deep and persistent human rights crisis. To address this reality, JMBF calls on the government and the international community to take the following important measures:
First, repeal Section 377 of the Penal Code, as it criminalizes same-sex relationships, thereby legally encouraging discrimination and violence. In addition, a comprehensive anti-discrimination law should be enacted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Hate crimes should be specially recognized with stringent penalties to deter such offenses.
Second, law enforcement officers must be trained in human rights and LGBTQI+ sensitivity to ensure unbiased and respectful treatment. Moreover, a special unit should be established to assist victims of violence, and an easy, confidential, and secure mechanism for filing complaints must be developed. It is essential to ensure justice by treating victims with respect during investigation and trial processes.
Third, to foster a positive attitude in society, public awareness campaigns must be initiated to eliminate hatred and misconceptions about LGBTQI+ individuals. These campaigns should involve educational institutions, media, and local and religious leaders. Inclusive and human rights-based education should also be introduced at the school level to foster empathy and tolerance among children.
Fourth, safe shelters, mental health services, and legal aid must be ensured for victims of violence. A confidential helpline and community network should be established to deliver assistance in emergency situations.
Fifth, the media must present LGBTQI+ individuals in a real, respectful, and positive manner to eliminate existing negative stereotypes in society. Additionally, the media must play an active role in raising public awareness by publishing information about incidents of violence on social media and other platforms.
Finally, there needs to be increased coordination and cooperation with international organizations to protect the human rights of the LGBTQI+ population.
Thank you
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org
Cell: +33783952315
Website: www.jmbf.org
***************************************************************************
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment