According to reliable sources, on August 22, 2024, a gathering of nurses sought her participation to discuss their concerns at her workplace. That same night, Dr. Humayun Kabir Himu, Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital, posted a defamatory comment on Facebook, referring to Ho Chi Minh as an "autocrat" and sharing her picture with a former Prime Minister—an image taken when she sought protection for the vulnerable transgender community. The comment section under this post was alarmingly filled with incitement to murder her.
The following day, on August 23, during a meeting at her institute, Ho Chiminh faced brutal verbal harassment from around 20 doctors, who insulted her simply for her gender identity. The situation escalated horrifically when approximately 15 men attempted to physically assault her, aiming to kill her solely because of her sexual and gender identity. Her fellow nurses bravely intervened, saving her life.
Upon returning home, Ho Chi Minh received another Facebook post from Mohammad Sorowar Hossain—the individual responsible for canceling her talk at North South University—further inciting mob violence against her. The post included a video clip of her at work, which Ho Chi Minh believes was leaked by Dr. Himu to Sorowar, further putting her life in grave danger.
JMBF recognizes that this is not an isolated case of transphobic aggression. Since the former Prime Minister stepped down, radical Islamic extremist groups have grown in influence under the interim government led by Professor Yunus. The banned extremist group Hujbut Tahid is openly campaigning to establish an Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh, flying the ISIS flag. These developments are directly linked to the violent threats Ho Chiminh is facing.
Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQ+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF expresses his outrage:
"Violence and discrimination based on gender identity have no place in any society. This cowardly act of violence against Ho Chiminh Islam reflects the pervasive transphobia that we must eradicate. The calls for murder are deeply disturbing. Such blatant hatred against a defender of human rights is an attack on all of us who believe in equality and justice."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi LGBTQ+ rights activist and Founder President of JMBF, adds:
"Ho Chiminh Islam is a fearless advocate for the transgender community. The violence she has faced is a stark reminder of the threats and prejudices faced by gender-diverse individuals in Bangladesh. We call upon authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety and dignity of every member of the LGBTQ+ community. Justice must be served to prevent further incitement of violence."
JMBF stands united in condemning these heinous acts of violence, discrimination, and hate-mongering. The actions of Dr. Himu and others who perpetuate such targeted hate against a transgender woman are utterly unacceptable and a grave violation of human rights.
JMBF also calls for the immediate decriminalization of homosexuality in Bangladesh by repealing Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, as well as the enactment of laws that protect the rights and safety of homosexual individuals.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) remains resolute in its commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring that no one suffers such brutal attacks simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Thank you.
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
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