Through reliable sources and media reports, JMBF has learned of a series of disturbing incidents, including the attack on the hijra community in Chak-Andharia, Roha Union, Sherpur Sadar Upazila, on the night of September 4th. Armed assailants, using local weapons, vandalized homes, looted belongings, and physically assaulted community members, causing them to flee in fear for their lives.
Last month, in the Bangibacha area of Dinajpur, another hijra village near the Punorvoba River was similarly attacked, resulting in the destruction of homes and looting of essential goods and construction materials. The attackers, operating under the guise of an anti-discrimination movement, blatantly violated the rights of this marginalized community.
On September 13th, two transgender women visiting Cox’s Bazar beach were subjected to physical assault, sexual harassment, and public humiliation by members of an Islamist fundamentalist group. The perpetrators recorded the assault and circulated the video on social media, further exacerbating the victims' emotional trauma.
Another serious incident involved Shaon Islam@Jannatun Naim Neha, an intersex student at Shanto-Mariam University. On August 12th, local authorities forcibly shut down her only means of livelihood, a food van in Uttara, Dhaka, which was crucial for funding her education and supporting her family. When she attempted to reopen her business, she was threatened with false accusations of illegal weapon possession, endangering her future.
Robert Simon, a French LGBTQI+ Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, "These repeated acts of violence and persecution against LGBTQI+ individuals by Islamist fundamentalist groups represent a flagrant violation of human rights and undermine the safety and dignity of sexual minorities in Bangladesh. We unequivocally condemn these incidents and urge the Bangladeshi government, particularly Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, to take immediate action to protect the lives and rights of LGBTQI+ members."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, added, "These incidents are not isolated but part of widespread human rights violations under the current interim government led by Dr. Yunus. Beyond targeting LGBTQI+ individuals, supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League have faced torture, extrajudicial killings, looting, and arson attacks. These gross violations must end, as the current government came to power with a promise to uphold the human rights of all citizens, regardless of race, sex, gender, or political opinion."
JMBF's Demands:
- Impartial and Swift Investigations: We demand a thorough and impartial investigation into all incidents of violence, looting, and harassment targeting LGBTQI+ members. Perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice swiftly.
- Strict Legal Action: The government must ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are prosecuted according to the law, ensuring transparent and efficient justice.
- Protection of LGBTQI+ Rights: The government must take concrete steps to safeguard the rights and dignity of sexual minorities, providing adequate security to protect them from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
- Support for Victims: We call on the government and civil society organizations to provide immediate psychological and financial support to the victims of these brutal attacks to aid their recovery.
- Constitutional Recognition: The government should take steps to constitutionally recognize homosexuality in Bangladesh and decriminalize it by repealing Section 377 of the Penal Code. The enactment of laws to protect LGBTQI+ individuals should be immediate.
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and urges the international community, human rights organizations, and activists to raise their voices against this ongoing violence in Bangladesh. Together, we must work toward building a society that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Thank you
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org; 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.
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