by Tanveer Anoy
The gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh are facing an increasingly dangerous situation. Despite the numerous backlashes, severe issues, and deaths that have been facing for a long time, the communities had hope that they were making progress. Unfortunately, recent events have hindered the movement’s advancement, making achieving equality and justice for the communities more challenging. There is a growing trend of discrimination against the communities, including an ongoing conflict amongst hijras, trans women, and intersex individuals.
Anti-trans and anti-rights movements are happening all around the world. These movements are very prevalent, and every country is facing them. Bangladesh also started to receive harsh anti-trans backlash, mainly last year. In November 2023, extremist groups targeted various initiatives such as university gender sensitization by renowned ngo BRAC, transwomen hostel seat allotment, and threats against transwomen activist Hochemin Islam for being invited to a women-led panel at a leading private university named North South University. There was also the dissemination of transphobic leaflets, which started in Chittagong, Bangladesh. At the same time, NGOs, organizations, donors, and activists were experiencing exposure to threats and online violence.
During the election season in Bangladesh, January 2024 was marked by disturbing events. On January 19th, Asif Mahtab, a former teacher at BRAC University, tore pages from a 7th-grade NCTB book that included a transwoman transition story during a National Teachers Forum event. The incident was followed by transphobic threats. BRAC University took action by dismissing the teacher, which led to widespread protests in the country. Some individuals accused BRAC of promoting LGBT+ lifestyles and called for a boycott of the institution. The threats also came from a student organization of the Islamic political movement called Islamic Chatro Andolon.
Additionally, a far-right conservative Islamic advocacy group called Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh urged the government not to pass the trans bill. In response, the Home Minister announced that the bill would not proceed. The trans bill generated widespread discussion and led to protests at various private and public universities in Bangladesh, including BRAC University, the Independent University of Bangladesh, and others. On February 3rd, there were reports of transphobic and anti-LGBT speeches across the country. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) announced that a controversial board of members would be editing the books, which will be rewritten due to the controversy surrounding the trans bill. So far, a total of 15 transphobic and anti-LGBT publications have been released. During Eid, the Walton company and actors from the TV drama “Rupantor” (Transition), which was labeled as a trans-oriented drama, were attacked, leading to apologies from those involved.
During an underground, private event, there was a sudden raid by police and local residents. The target of the raid was trans women, and one of the organizers was taken into custody. No charges were filed against them, and they were later released. However, this incident has caused fear and anxiety within the gender-diverse communities.
In April 2024, the communities faced a difficult situation when a bright and talented transwoman tragically took her own life. This news left the communities devastated. According to a prominent activist, the number of suicides had reached nine, with five being gay individuals and four being trans women. There were also five attempted suicides.
The office of Bandhu Social Welfare, an organization that advocates for gender-diverse communities, was attacked by protesters which led to the relocation of activists. There was an increase in nationwide hate and violence against trans women. This included incidents of stripping, physical assault, spitting, and forced eviction from their homes.
To make matters worse, a prominent gay social activist was recently subjected to online harassment. This not only exposed them to great danger but also highlighted the continued discrimination and harassment the LGBTQ+ community faces.
Unfortunately, no practical actions have been taken to address the ongoing hatred towards the community. As a result, individuals who identify as Queer or Trans in Bangladesh face discrimination and live in constant fear, making it difficult for them to lead their everyday lives, work, or earn a living.
The government needs to take action against the hatred being spread and provide the communities with security. The Bangladeshi gender-diverse communities’ lives are at risk, and as time passes, the situation only worsens. The extremists are ensuring that the communities do not live freely in this society.
The issues must be resolved promptly to prevent the situation from worsening.
More Context:
Tanveer Anoy is an author, archivist, and activist. Currently, Anoy is studying and teaching Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Oregon State University.
First published on May 9, 2024, on the author’s Medium page.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 