Press Release: JMBF Publishes State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2022: Reveals Alarming Levels of Violence

Paris, France; December 18, 2023: In a groundbreaking initiative, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the first-ever comprehensive State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh for the year 2022, focusing on violence against LGBTQI+ people. The report, meticulously compiled by JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and published by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), sheds light on the harrowing struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh, offering a stark portrayal of pervasive discrimination and violence against sexual minority groups.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder Secretary General of JMBD and Founder President of JMBF, expressed a profound mixture of concern and determination in the foreword, emphasizing the organization's solemn obligation to confront and rectify the injustices that plague the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

The report, emanating and published from Paris, France on December 18, 2023, through a press release underscores the gravity of the situation, being the first of its kind to meticulously document violations against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh. Prior to this undertaking, no organization, whether within Bangladesh or on the global stage, has dared to provide such a comprehensive perspective on the struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

Advocate Shahanur Islam expresses a solemn commitment to addressing the injustices and emphasizes the collective responsibility of policymakers, legislators, civil society entities, and community leaders in effecting positive change.

প্রেস বিজ্ঞপ্তিঃ জেএমবিএফ এর বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির অধিকার বিষয়ক বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২২ প্রকাশ!

 প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; ১৮ ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৩: ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) প্রথমবারের মতো বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার বিষয়ক বিস্তারিত প্রদিবেদন “বাংলাদেশে সমকামী অধিকার ২০২২” প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন সংবাদ মাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার সংক্রান্ত খবর জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)কর্তৃক নিয়মিত সংকলন ও যাচায়পূর্বক প্রাপ্ত তথ্য জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)১৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩ এ প্রতিবেদন আকারে প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী গোষ্ঠীর বিরুদ্ধে চলমান ব্যাপক বৈষম্য ও সহিংসতার একটি স্পষ্ট চিত্র তুলে ধরাসহ প্রতিবেদনটিতে বাংলাদেশে সমকামী সম্প্রদায় প্রতিনিয়ত যে সকল কঠিন সংগ্রামের মাধ্যমে বেঁচে রয়েছে তাঁর উপর বিস্তারিত আলোকপাত করা করেছে।

জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা মহাসচিব এবং জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা সভাপতি অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানুর ইসলাম প্রতিবেদনটি সম্পাদনা করেছেন। তিনি প্রতিবেদনের মুখবন্ধে বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী সম্প্রদায় যেসব সহিংসতা, অবিচার, বৈষম্য, নির্যাতনের শিকার হয় তা নিরসনে তাঁর প্রতিষ্ঠিত মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জেএমবিডি এবং জেএমবিএফ আন্তরিকভাবে কাজ করবে বলে সংকল্প ব্যক্ত করেছেন।

Statement: JMBF expresses deep concern about the restriction of a transgender woman from participating in the Women's Career Carnival as a speaker at North South University.

Paris, France; November 26, 2023: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed profound concern and protest over the cancellation of the scheduled session featuring Bangladeshi transgender woman Ho Chi Minh Islam as a speaker at the Women's Career Carnival. The cancellation was reportedly influenced by pressure from conservative student groups at North South University. JMBF believes that the discriminatory treatment of Ho Chi Minh Islam, solely because she is a transgender woman, is a blatant violation of Bangladesh's Supreme Law Constitution and the universal human rights declared by the United Nations.

Based on various reliable sources, JMBF has learned that on November 24-25, 2023, two organizations, Heroes for All and ISOSHAL, organized the Women's Career Carnival at the North South University campus. The event aimed to empower women through networking, learning, and professional development. Transgender woman and rights activist Ho Chi Minh Islam was scheduled to participate as a speaker in a session on the afternoon of November 24. Her speech was intended to address the inclusion of marginalized communities in the workforce and the creation of an inclusive environment for their work.

Statement: JMBF Demands Prompt Justice for Murder of Self-Identified Transgender Drummer in Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 22, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, is deeply concerned about the brutal murder of Babul Mridha (60), a drummer in a transgender Hijra group, in Naria upazila under the Shariyatpur district in Bangladesh.

JMBF demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice under the law by identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act through a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation and trial.

According to reports published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, Babul Mridha, a self-identified member of a transgender Hijra group, was brutally murdered on the night of September 4th due to her association with the transgender Hijra community.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Activities Spotlighted in UK Home Office Report on LGBTQ+ Rights in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi prominent human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam's blog post on LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh has been highlighted in the "Country Policy and Information Note: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Bangladesh," published by the UK Home Office's Visa and Immigration department on September 5, 2023. Shahanur's article, titled "How can society promote equality and respect for LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh?" was one of the most highlighted pieces in the report.

Additionally, JusticeMakers Bangladesh, a prominent nonprofit organization, founded by Shahanur Islam, dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in Bangladesh, has received international recognition for its tireless efforts. In a recent report published by the Visa and Immigration department under the UK Home Office, JusticeMakers Bangladesh's activities and a notable blog post of Shahanur Islam have been prominently featured. 

Statement : JMBF Expresses Deep Concern as Homosexuality is Presented in a Negative Light in Dainik Sangram

Paris, France: September 9, 2023 - The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed its profound dismay and concern over the negative portrayal of Bangladeshi homosexuals in the Daily Sangram newspaper, published in Dhaka.

The human rights organization calls upon the newspaper to issue an immediate apology for disseminating negative content regarding homosexuals and urges it to refrain from spreading further misinformation about homosexuality.

On June 24, 2023, the Bangla Jatiya newspaper, Dainik Sangram, published a report titled "The Increasing Prevalence of Homosexuality in Khulna," wherein it was stated that students in a majority of schools, colleges, and madrasahs were developing homosexual inclinations, leading to the creation of a distorted mindset. According to a leader of the Islamic youth movement, homosexuality is unequivocally abhorrent and the most reprehensible act in the world. The report also claimed that several nations had faced destruction due to homosexuality. Furthermore, the report asserted that homosexuality poses severe health risks, including the transmission of incurable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, as stated by a doctor from Khulna Medical College Hospital who characterized homosexuality as a manifestation of a complete mental disorder.

Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Murder of Gay Teacher Golam Kibria in Savar, Dhaka

Paris, France: August 20, 2023 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the tragic and heinous murder of Golam Kibria, a gay school teacher and member of the sexual minority community, in Savar, Dhaka, allegedly by the individuals associated with extremist Islamic ideologies.

The organization expresses profound concern over this act of violence and demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. JMBF insists on an impartial and expeditious inquiry, followed by a transparent trial, to ensure that the perpetrators responsible for this grave crime are brought to justice.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Harassment and Violence against Chapainawabganj Hijra Community

[Paris, France: August 15, 2023] - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization based in France, expresses deep anguish and concern over the lack of criminal action against the accused individuals responsible for the harassment, demands for housing allowance, and attacks faced by the Hijra community in Chapainawabganj. Despite enduring these issues for two months, no substantial action has been taken against the perpetrators.

JMBF Demands Prompt Justice for Transgender Woman's Murder in Brahmanbaria

[Paris, France: August 13, 2023] JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France base non-profit organization dedicated to defending human rights and advocating for justice, expresses profound concern and sorrow over the tragic killing of Sohel Rana, a transgender woman known as Dustu, in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. This distressing incident underscores the pressing need for immediate action to combat discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, within the nation.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Launches Urgent Call for Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Bangladesh

In a historic move, human rights group JusticeMakers Bangladesh has launched an urgent call for the decriminalization of homosexuality in the country. The organization has petitioned the Honourable President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to repeal Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, which criminalizes consensual sexual acts between adults of the same sex.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Calls for Fair Trial and Justice in the Murder of Bisexual Architect in Dhaka

Bangladeshi human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh is gravely concerned about the recent murder of bisexual architect Imtiaz Mohammad Bhuiyan, who was beaten to death in Dhaka in March 2023 after refusing to pay blackmailers.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh calls upon the government to ensure a fair and transparent trial for the accused, after a quick and transparent investigation, and to take steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

According to news published on different media and information received from reliable sources, JusticeMakers Bangladesh learned that Imtiaz Mohammad Bhuiyan, a bisexual community architect, went missing after leaving his house on March 7.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Expresses Concern Over Forced Video Confession of Gay Couple in Jessore Circulated on Facebook

The human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh, is deeply concerned about the forced confession video of a gay couple in Jessore that was circulated on Facebook on March 20, 2023, by a Facebook page called "Motion by Hannan."

JusticeMakers Bangladesh calls upon the concerned authorities to swiftly identify the accused persons in this incident, file criminal cases against them, and provide exemplary punishment in a fair trial.

The video shows a man forcing two gay men to confess against their will. Additionally, it shows a garment worker, a sexual minority gay named Hridoy from Comilla, who came to Jessore to marry a rickshaw puller named Jibon for love. The accused video holder defamed them by creating an intimidating atmosphere. Furthermore, the accused video holder threatened to inform the teenagers' parents about the incident via mobile phone. During this, the accused video holder molested a gay teenager by dressing him up, especially his hair, and putting lipstick on his lips. Moreover, the accused video holder threatened to take action against the gay teenage couple to stop the marriage and expel them from Jessore by calling the police administration and local chairman and members.

Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam Joins Hands with ARDHIS for Bangladeshi LGBTQI Asylum Seekers in France

On March 22, 2023, Shahanur Islam, a human rights lawyer from Bangladesh and the founder of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, met with Mr. Eric Lejeune from the Association for the Recognition of the Rights of Homosexual and Trans People to Immigration and Residence (ARDHIS) at the SPACE office in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the present situation of LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh and seek cooperation to improve the rights of sexual minorities in the country.

During the meeting, Mr. Islam highlighted the numerous challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, including physical assault, murder, threats, rape, sexual abuse, bullying, discrimination, social stigma, and psychological abuse. He also noted that these incidents often go unreported due to stigma and intolerance from families, society, and the state. Additionally, existing discriminatory laws criminalize same-sex activities and can lead to life imprisonment.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh calls for justice and protection for religious minorities in Bangladesh

Human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh has condemned the recent attack on the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh district, northern Bangladesh, which left at least two dead and 100 injured on March 03, 2023. 

In a statement signed by the founder secretary-general of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, prominent human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam, the group called for justice and accountability for the victims, as well as an end to the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh expresses concern over killing of transgender women in Gazipur

JusticeMakers Bangladesh, a renowned human rights organization, has expressed grave concern over the recent stabbing of a transgender person in Gazipur on 19 February early morning.

In a statement released on 05 March 2023, the rights organization condemned the brutal killing of Abdul Khalek and called for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh deeply concerned over the vandalism of idols of fourteen Hindu temples in Thakurgaon!

The Bangladeshi human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh has expressed deep concern, condemnation and protest over the vandalism of idols of 14 Hindu temples in three unions of Baliadangi Upazila of Thakurgaon district.

At the same time, JusticeMakers Bangladesh has called upon to give the exemplary punishment to the alleged accused in a fair trial after  identify those responsible before an impartial investigation by the formation of a judicial prob committee.

STATEMENT: JusticeMakers Bangladesh Urges Immidiate Release of Arrested Transgenders in Dhaka

The Bangladeshi human rights organisation JusticeMakers Bangladesh has expressed its grave concern about the arrest of four transgender women from a wedding ceremony in Dhaka on 17 January 2023.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh has also urged the concerned authority to immediately release arrested transgenders as well as drop the charge brought against them.

STATEMENT: JusticeMakers Bangladesh gravely concerned over attacked on indigenous people at Bogura

 

Bangladeshi human rights organization the JusticeMakers Bangladesh has expressed deep concern and protest against attacked on ethnic minority indigenous people at Sherpur upazila under Bogura district in Bangladesh.

The rights body simultaneously urged to bring the culprits who were involved with the heinous crime before the book after identifying them with a quick and impartial investigation by judicial body.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh welcomes the decision of the learned Metropolitan Magistrate to acquit four Transgenders in Dhaka.

Human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh has expressed its heartiest welcome for the recent decision of learned Metropolitan Magistrate Devdas Chandra Adhikari to acquit four transgender who were falsely accused of extortion.

Simultaneously, JusticeMakers Bangladesh demanded immediate and appropriate compensation for the arbitrary arrest and detention of those sexual minority transgender people in Bangladesh whose fundamental human rights were violated.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh congrats the sexual minority transgender woman for being elected as a member of union council in Kushtia!

Bangladeshi human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh has congratulated and wished the transgender woman Payal Khatun for being elected as a female member in Kanchanpur Union Parishad (UP) of Sadar Upazila of Kushtia district of Bangladesh.

 

According to the news published by Voice of America's Bengali section online on November 4, 2022, Payal Khatun, a transgender woman elected as a member of the Union Parishad in Kushtia district of Bangladesh and she is the first elected public representative of the third gender in Kushtia district.