Paris, June 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) 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. It must be repealed," Shahanur stated.
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.
He briefed the participants that JMBF's Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2025 Report documented 260 human rights violations affecting at least 426 LGBTQI+ individuals during 2025.
"These are not just statistics. They represent students forced to leave school, young people rejected by their families, activists living under constant threats, and many individuals who must hide their identity simply to survive," Shahanur stated.
He called for a comprehensive response that includes the repeal of Article 377; accountability for attacks against LGBTQI+ people; protecting students in educational institutions; measures to combat hate speech, address extremist violence, and strengthen international support for LGBTQI+ human rights defenders in Bangladesh.
Source: IANS
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