Lesbian Couples Detained by Mobs in Bangladesh
Lesbian couples detained by mobs and handed to police in recent violent incidents in Bangladesh raise concerns about LGBTQ+ rights and privacy violations.
Two lesbian couples in Bangladesh recently fell victim to the intolerant and discriminatory actions of homophobic members of the public. These incidents, which took place in Manikganj and Natore districts, have sparked outrage and concern among human rights advocates and activists.
The first incident occurred on March 9, 2023, when a 26-year-old woman and her 35-year-old lesbian partner were detained by locals in Manikganj for expressing their sexual orientation and desire to marry. Despite there being no formal complaint against them, the couple was handed over to the police, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudices that LGBTQ+ individuals face in Bangladeshi society.
Similarly, on February 23, 2024, two teenage lesbians were apprehended in Natore while trying to formalize their relationship after falling in love on Facebook. The police intervened and took them into custody, citing their young age as the reason for their detention.
Legal and Human Rights Perspectives
Renowned Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and activist, Advocate Shahanur Islam, condemned the detentions as clear violations of the victims' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. He emphasized that such actions go against the principles outlined in the Constitution of Bangladesh and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Islam called on the government to uphold the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, and to align its laws and policies with international human rights standards. The incidents involving the lesbian couples underscore the urgent need for legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Bangladesh.
JMBF's Call for Action
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern over the detentions of the lesbian couples and has urged the authorities to take swift action against those responsible for violating the victims' rights. The organization highlighted the broader pattern of discrimination and abuse faced by sexual minorities in Bangladesh and called for constitutional recognition and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
JMBF's stance is clear: all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve equal rights and dignity under the law. The organization stands in solidarity with the victims and remains committed to advocating for justice and equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community in Bangladesh.
External Resources
- Report on Anti-LGBTQI+ Violence in Bangladesh
- International Advocates' Call to Protect Human Rights in Bangladesh
Hi, Ali Rahman in the house! From Chittagong, Bangladesh, I've been on a wild ride from Banskhali Bangabandhu High School to Govt. Alaol College and beyond, landing me at National University. Now, I'm here to dish out the lowdown on national issues and global news. Stick around for a fresh take on what's shaking up our world! Connect With Me