Wednesday, November 13, 2024

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Brutal Killing of Gay Teacher in Meherpur, Bangladesh

Accused Murderers Arrested
Arrested Accused Murderers
Paris, France; November 13, 2024:
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the brutal killing of Sujan Ali, a gay kindergarten teacher from Jibon Nagar, Meherpur. Sujan's tragic murder on the night of October 6, 2024, in the very school where he dedicated his life to nurturing young minds, serves as a stark and harrowing reminder of the deadly consequences of prejudice and hate against the LGBTQI+ community.

This heinous act of violence—carried out by individuals who deceived Sujan into a confrontation under false pretenses—ended his life mercilessly and unforgivably. It underscores the urgent need for greater protection, understanding, and legal safeguarding for LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh and beyond. Sujan’s death must not be allowed to fade into another overlooked tragedy in the long history of discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQI+ community.

Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF expressed, “The senseless killing of Sujan Ali is not just an attack on an individual, but an attack on human dignity and the very essence of love, acceptance, and equality. We call on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that justice is not only served but seen to be served. Let this moment be a catalyst for real, substantive change that protects the lives of those who are too often marginalized.”

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, added, “Justice is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. The murder of Sujan Ali must be met with an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full extent of the law. Additionally, we call for comprehensive reforms to protect LGBTQI+ rights and create an environment where individuals can live without fear.”

JMBF calls on the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the protection of sexual minorities by repealing Section 377 of the Penal Code and enacting the Protection of Sexual Minority People Act.

JMBF stands in solidarity with Sujan’s family, friends, and the broader LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh. We demand swift legal action against those responsible and comprehensive steps towards a future free from hatred and violence. Justice for Sujan Ali is justice for all who fight for equality and human rights.

Fact in Brief:

On the night of October 6, 2024, Sujan Ali, a gay kindergarten teacher in Jibon Nagar upazila, Meherpur, Bangladesh, was brutally killed by three individuals in the nursery school room during an argument about engaging in homosexual activity. During the altercation, the three individuals argued with Sujan Ali, and at one point, they struck him on the head with an iron rod, resulting in his death. They later buried the body under the Kachuripana in Midnipur.

On October 18 and 29, the police arrested three individuals on charges of murdering Sujan Ali after conducting raids in various locations. The arrested individuals are Abdur Razzak, son of the late Anar Molla of Medinipur village in Shimanto Union of the upazila; Mojibur Rahman, son of the late Wad Ali of Shakharia village; and Mohiuddin, son of the late Amin Uddin.

Earlier, on October 26, a partially decomposed body was recovered from the edge of the bill. The family identified it as Sujan, the missing gay teacher, after seeing a rod attached to the body's hand. Following this discovery, Abdur Razzak fled to Jessore, where he was arrested with the help of technology. Based on the information provided by him, Mojibur Rahman and Mohiuddin were subsequently arrested.

Abdur Razzak later gave a confessional statement in court under Section 164, admitting responsibility for the murder. The three individuals were sent to jail on the afternoon of October 30, 2024.

Thank you









Tanni Bithi Sarder
Vice-President
JusticeMakers 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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