France-based rights group flags rising violence against LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh
Paris, June 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has voiced grave concern over the escalating violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.
An international event, 'Apero-debat: Les droits LGBTQI+ dans le monde (LGBTQI+ Rights Around the World)' in Paris was organised by Solidarite International LGBTQI+, in collaboration with Agir ensemble pour les droits humains and the LGBTQI+ Centre of Paris and Ile-de-France, on Monday at the LGBTQI+ Centre of Paris to mark the closing of Pride Month 2026.
According to the JMBF, the programme brought together LGBTQI+ activists, human rights defenders, diplomats, civil society leaders, and allies from around the world for dialogue, solidarity, and networking.
The programme featured three roundtable discussions examining the challenges facing LGBTQI+ communities worldwide and exploring strategies to advance equality, human rights, and international cooperation.
Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, participated in the roundtable discussion titled 'Criminalisation and Colonisation: Deconstructing and Responding', which examined the colonial origins of anti-LGBTQI+ laws, their continuing impact, and strategies to challenge criminalisation and protect LGBTQI+ communities.
During the discussion, Shahanur expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation facing LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh.
He highlighted that Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, a colonial-era law inherited from British rule, continues to criminalise consensual same-sex relations. "Section 377 is a colonial law that should have no place in a democratic society. It creates fear and legitimises discrimination against LGBTQI+ people.
Shahanur warned that the situation for LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh has deteriorated significantly since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August 2024.
"Extremist Islamist groups have become increasingly active, resulting in attacks against queer and transgender individuals, threats against LGBTQI+ activists, the forced exclusion of LGBTQI+ students from educational institutions, and a sharp increase in hate speech on social media," he noted.