The loss of Dustu's life serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the ongoing challenges confronted by sexual minorities in Bangladesh. JMBF vehemently calls for an impartial and expeditious investigation, followed by a transparent trial, to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are held accountable. The organization stands united in its demand for exemplary punishment for those responsible, aiming to send a resounding message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
According to a report published on www.jagonews24.com on July 4th, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Brahmanbaria's Kasba on June 30th, 2023. Sohel Rana, a 25-year-old transgender woman also known as Dustu, fell victim to a brutal act of violence, being beaten to death by her 23-year-old boyfriend Rakib.
The grim events of that day led to the untimely demise of Dustu, whose life was tragically cut short. Her lifeless body was discovered on the night of July 1st, 2023, found in the Gopinathpur area along the Akhaura-Kasba regional road. Originally from South Sukdevpur in Chirirbandar Upazila, Dinajpur, Dustu was the cherished transgender daughter of Chader Ali.
Dustu shared her life with Guruma Ajanta, also a transdaughter of Najma Akhtar, in the Monionda area of Akhaura, Brahmanbaria. Around seven to eight months ago, Dustu's path crossed with Autorickshaw driver Rakib, leading to a romantic relationship. Throughout their time together, Rakib intermittently resided in Dustu's rented residence.
However, the situation took a grim turn on June 30th, 2023. Following a phone conversation during which Dustu expressed her intention to visit Rakib's home in Dinajpur, a wave of anger swept over him. This emotional turbulence escalated into a heated altercation between the couple. The altercation reached a horrifying climax as Rakib resorted to violence, striking Dustu on the head with a tree branch. The force of the blow was enough to cause her to collapse to the ground. Unrelenting in his aggression, Rakib then wielded a broken piece of brick, using it to strike Dustu on the head once more.
In the wake of this brutal assault, Rakib fled the scene, leaving Dustu in a bewildered state. In an attempt to conceal his involvement, he contacted Dustu's guru mother, revealing her location at Gopinathpur Sekandarpara.
In response to this grievous tragedy, Najma Akhtar, the guru mother of the deceased, lodged a formal complaint against Rakib at the Kasba police station on July 1st, a Saturday. In a determined pursuit of justice, the Kasba Police swiftly orchestrated an operation, leveraging information technology, which culminated in Rakib's arrest on July 4th, 2023.
Later, Rakib provided a confession to Judge Rakibul Hasan of the Brahmanbaria Judicial Magistrate Court, admitting responsibility for the murder under Section 164. As a result, he was sent to jail.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France and a prominent human rights lawyer in Bangladesh, stands resolute in his condemnation of this act of violence. He vehemently demands a thorough investigation leading to a transparent and just trial. Moreover, Advocate Shahanur Islam emphasizes that Dustu's case should not be treated as an isolated incident but rather as emblematic of the wider challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
Throughout Bangladesh, LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people, continue to endure systemic discrimination, violence, and flagrant human rights violations. While there have been commendable governmental initiatives to recognize transgender individuals as the third gender, Advocate Shahanur Islam stresses that more comprehensive measures are urgently required to ensure their protection, rights, and full social integration.
JMBF remains steadfast in its commitment to advocate for justice, uphold human rights, and empower marginalized communities. The organization stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community in Bangladesh and worldwide, fervently calling for a world devoid of discrimination and violence.
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