Statement: JMBF Condemns Brutal Murder of Transgender Reshma Khatun, Calls for Swift Action and Legal Reforms

Paris, France; April 03, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the brutal murder of Reshma Khatun (25), a third-gender individual, whose decomposed body was discovered in March 2024 in the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore, Bangladesh.

The France-based rights organization calls for the swift identification and apprehension of those responsible for this heinous act through a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation, followed by exemplary punishment after a fair trial.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, it has been learned that the police recovered the decomposed body of Reshma Khatun (25), a third gender individual, from the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore.

JMBF President Engages in Productive Dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT Rights, Fostering Progress in Bangladesh

In a significant move towards advancing SOGIE rights in Bangladesh, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBD) Founder President, Advocate Shahanur Islam, engaged in a fruitful dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT, Jean Marc Berthon, on April 2, 2024, at the ambassador's office.

Advocate Shahanur initiated the dialogue by shedding light on the current state of sexual minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly addressing prevalent misinformation campaigns targeting transgender individuals. One focal point of discussion was the concerning issue of transgender inclusion in school textbooks in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for accurate representation and education on transgender issues.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Quarterly eNewsletter of (January-March 2024)

5. JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: January-March, 2024 by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns BSF Killings of Bangladeshi Civilians: Calls for Urgent International Action

Paris, France: March 27, 2024 - Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and vehement protest over the recent shooting deaths of three unarmed Bangladeshi citizens and the injuring of another by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) within the past two weeks.

The JMBF, a human rights organization based in France, strongly condemns these egregious acts of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians along the India-Bangladesh border. These incidents represent a blatant violation of human rights, and as such, demand immediate attention and action from the international community.

Transgender Individual committed Suicide in Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria Due to Mental Stress

On March 25, 2024, Saidul Islam Nayan (26) committed suicide by hanging himself in Darra village of Nabinagar upazila, Brahmanbaria. Nayan was the eldest of three sons of Md. Shariful Islam and Nargis Akhtar from Darra village in the Rasullabad union. It is known that he had been in Saudi Arabia for a long time.

According to family sources, although Nayan was biologically male, his behavior was akin to that of the third gender. Hijras are often ridiculed by locals for their affinity and feminine nature. Locals believe that he may have committed suicide due to social bullying and the inferiority complex associated with being a hijra. The Acting Police Inspector (OC) of Nabinagar Police Station stated that more details will be provided after the investigation.