JMBF Condemns Transphobic Violence and Calls for an Independent Investigation, Accountability and Immediate Protection
Paris, France | 10 October 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the brutal physical and psychological torture, public humiliation, forced religious repentance and discriminatory restrictions imposed upon a transgender man following an illegal village arbitration (salish) held in Barishal village, Palashbari Upazila, Gaibandha District, Bangladesh, on 9 October 2026.According to information independently verified by JMBF through its own reliable sources, the victim, identified for protection purposes as Md. XXXXXXX Ahmed, was publicly beaten with a bamboo stick, subjected to degrading treatment before hundreds of people, forced to perform humiliating physical acts and compelled to recite religious repentance because of his transgender identity and his relationship with his wife.
JMBF is particularly alarmed by the reported involvement of locally influential religious extremists and political figures affiliated with the ruling party in organising the illegal arbitration, as well as the reported failure of local law enforcement authorities to take effective action against those responsible.
JMBF urgently calls upon the Government of Bangladesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Police and the relevant district authorities to ensure the immediate safety of the victim and his wife; provide urgent medical and psychological assistance; conduct a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation; preserve all relevant evidence; and bring those responsible to justice through proceedings consistent with international human rights standards.
JMBF further urges the United Nations, particularly the Independent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and other relevant Special Procedures mandate holders, to urgently engage with the Government of Bangladesh and consider issuing a joint urgent communication concerning this incident.
JMBF also urges everyone concerned to write to the relevant United Nations Special Procedures mandate holders, the Honourable President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and the authorities listed below, calling for immediate protection, an independent investigation, accountability and effective remedies.
In Solidarity,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB Premises
180 Boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
Facebook: jmbf23 | X: JusticeMakersBF
LinkedIn: jmbf23 | Instagram: justicemakersbf
Forwarded for Information and Appropriate Action:
1. Mr. Graeme ReidIndependent Expert on Protection against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
8–14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Email: hrc-ie-sogi@un.org
2. Dr. Pau Pérez-Sales
UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
8–14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Email: hrc-sr-torture@un.org
3. Ms. Nazila Ghanea
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
8–14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
4. Ms. Mariângela Batista Galvão Simão
UN Special Rapporteur on the Right of Everyone to the Enjoyment of the Highest Attainable Standard of Physical and Mental Health
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland
Email: hrc-sr-health@un.org
5. Ms. Ana Brian Nougrères
UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland
Email: hrc-sr-privacy@un.org
6. Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland
7. Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Honourable President
People's Republic of Bangladesh
Office of the President (Bangabhaban)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: secretary@bangabhaban.gov.bd
8. Mr. Tarique Rahman
Honourable Prime Minister
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Prime Minister's Office
Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Email: pm@pmo.gov.bd; psecy@pmo.gov.bd
9. Mr. Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury
Honourable Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: rg@supremecourt.gov.bd
10. Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed
Honourable Minister
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: minister@moha.gov.bd
11. Mr. Monjur Morshed Chowdhury
Senior Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: secretary@moha.gov.bd
12. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Mabud
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
Rangpur Range
Bangladesh Police
Rangpur, Bangladesh
Email: digrangpur@police.gov.bd
13. Mr. Md. Jasim Uddin
Superintendent of Police
Gaibandha District
Bangladesh Police
Gaibandha, Bangladesh
Email: spgaibandha@police.gov.bd
14. Mr. Mohammad Masudur Rahman Molla
Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate
Office of the Deputy Commissioner
Gaibandha District
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Gaibandha, Bangladesh
Email: dcgaibandha@mopa.gov.bd
15. Mr. Saroware Alam Khan
Officer-in-Charge (OC)
Palashbari Police Station
Gaibandha District
Bangladesh Police
Bangladesh
Email: ocpolashbari@gmail.com
READ FULL URGENT APPEAL IN ENGLISH
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JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan international human rights organization registered in France under the French Association Law of 1901 (Registration No. W931027714), committed to defending human rights, promoting social justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).