Bangladesh grows even more dangerous for its LGBTQI+ citizens

Human rights advocates cite 260 anti-LGBTQI+ incidents in Bangladesh, including murder, arson and blackmail.

Last year, Bangladesh became  even more dangerous for its LGBTQI+ citizens as an interim government failed to protect them against violence, discrimination and institutional marginalization, a human rights advocacy group has concluded.

The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) made that observation after conducting an extensive review of human rights violations in Bangladesh in 2025, drawing on documented incidents, field monitoring, media analysis, and legal review,

Same-sex relations are criminalized under Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, and the country has no comprehensive legal protections prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. JMBF said that, while transgender persons received limited recognition through the 2013 Hijra recognition policy, this recognition has not translated into effective protection or equal access to employment, healthcare, justice, or social services.

In its annual report about 2025, JMBF documented 260 incidents of human rights violations affecting at least 426 LGBTQI+ individuals nationwide, which was “a sharp increase compared to previous years and confirming a continuing upward trend since 2022.”

The documented violations we too many to fit in this article.  They included

• Murder and attempted murder
• Physical assault and abduction
• Arbitrary arrests and fabricated criminal charges
• Extortion and blackmail
• Online harassment and defamation
• Expulsion from educational institutions; and • Family violence and social exclusion

The JMBF report added:

“Transgender and gender-diverse individuals were the most frequently targeted, followed by gay men. Violence against lesbian, gay and bisexual appears significantly underreported due to family control, stigma, and social invisibility. The report identifies both state and non-state actors as perpetrators of abuse, including law enforcement personnel, organized local groups, religiously motivated actors, educational institutions, family members, and community leaders. Social stigma, religious conservatism, and economic exploitation emerged as key drivers of violence.

“Political engagement with LGBTQI+ rights remains extremely limited. Most political parties either avoid addressing issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity or openly oppose legal recognition and protection. Consequently, LGBTQI+ rights remain largely absent from national policy agendas and reform discussions.

“Media analysis conducted by JMBF further reveals that negative portrayals of LGBTQI+ issues dominate public discourse, reinforcing social prejudice and contributing to discrimination and violence.

“Access to justice remains severely constrained. Many victims refrain from pursuing legal remedies due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust in authorities, social stigma, and institutional bias within the justice system. As a result, a large proportion of incidents remain unresolved, perpetuating a climate of impunity.”

These are a few of the human rights abuses described in the report:

Third gender (hijra) activist Shila brutally murdered in her home in Rangamati

On 3 February 2025, transgender activist Shila was brutally murdered in her home in Betbunia, under the jurisdiction of Betbunia Police Station, Rangamati district. Police recovered her body later that evening, confirming a targeted and gruesome attack. Shila’s body was found with her throat slashed and decapitated, suggesting the involvement of militants.

Shila, originally from Hathazari Police Station, was a prominent advocate for the transgender community, widely recognized for her humanitarian work and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Arrest of 12 third-gender (hijra) people in Narayanganj on allegedly false extortion charges

On 17 September 2025, Wednesday, police from Rupganj Police Station arrested 12 members of the Hijra community in the Kanchan Bridge area, including Fajur Bari Mor, internal roads, the Dhaka Bypass, and surrounding areas of Rupganj Union, Narayanganj.

The arrests took place while they were collecting money from vehicles carrying expatriates, which is a traditional livelihood practice within the community.

The arrestees were identified as Kajoli, Emon, Koheli, Ali Shah, Sinha, Mim, Mou, Tuni, Nishi Akter, Chameli, Natasha, and Mala, aged between 18 and 40. They are long-term residents of Shamad Mia’s house in Pitalganj Rishipara, Rupganj, and were sent to jail following proceedings at the Narayanganj Court.

Five youth arrested in Gazipur over alleged homosexual gathering

On the night of Sunday, 7 September 2025, police arrested five young men in the Karmtola area of Pubail Thana, Gazipur Metropolitan City, following allegations of homosexual activity.

The arrested youths were identified as Md. Moshiur Rahman (19) and Md. Aminul Islam (25) from Kudab, Pubail; Nazmul Islam (19) from Banaripara, Barishal; Golam Rabbi (18) from Kalkini, Madaripur; and Arafat Sikder (19).

The five had gathered at a rented house belonging to Ahsan Habib Rubel after initially connecting online. Around 11:00 PM, a dispute escalated into a physical altercation. The house owner and local residents intervened, questioning the youths. Upon admitting they had assembled for homosexual purposes, the locals became agitated, assaulted them, and alerted the police.

The injured individuals were admitted to Shaheed Ahsanullah Master General Hospital in Tongi for treatment. After receiving care, they were taken to the police station for further legal proceedings.

Arson and looting at third-gender (hijra) Sohel Asha’s residence in Brahmanbaria

On Friday, 20 June 2025, extremist locals set fire to and looted the residence of sexual minority hijra Sohel Asha in … Brahmanbaria.

Several hundred religious extremists from four or five nearby villages, armed with sticks and rods, went to Sohel’s home, poured petrol, and set it on fire. The entire house was burnt to ashes, and the damaged goods were looted by the crowd.

At the time of the attack, Sohel was not at home, but three of her sisters and several others were present. Sohel and her family have been living for 20 years in a house built on land beside the Sarail-Nasirnagar-Lakhai regional highway, near the Kali Kachh crematorium, under the jurisdiction of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD).

Victim Sohel Asha (26) stated, “My parents are not alive; they died when I was a child.

Although we have our own ancestral home, we cannot go there as it is occupied by others. I have been living here with my five sisters for 20 years. They poured petrol and set it on fire. They looted all my gold, cash, and everything else. I have lost everything.”

What next?

In response to the ongoing barrage of anti-LGBTQI+ human rights abuses, JMBF urged coordinated legal, political, and societal reforms:

• The decriminalization of same-sex relations;
• Adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation;
• Accountability for violence and abuse;
• Protection of human rights defenders;
• Promotion of inclusive and responsible media practices;
• Strengthened international engagement and monitoring

Protecting these rights is not only a legal obligation but a fundamental requirement for a just and inclusive society, JMBF concluded.