By SM Shaon Parvez, 12 January 2026
As a staunch advocate for human dignity and equality, I stand firmly in support of LGBT rights in Bangladesh. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals should not only be allowed but encouraged to live openly, without fear of reprisal, discrimination, or violence. It is their fundamental right—a right enshrined in international human rights standards, rooted in the principles of freedom and self-determination, and essential for a just society. In a country like Bangladesh, where colonial-era laws like Section 377 of the Penal Code continue to criminalize love and identity, this support isn’t just a personal stance; it’s a call to action against oppression. As of January 2026, reflecting on the turbulent year of 2025, the situation for LGBT people in Bangladesh has deteriorated amid political upheaval, rising conservatism, and systemic failures. But this makes the fight more urgent. I support LGBT rights because love is love, identity is sacred, and no one should hide who they are to survive. This blog explores the history, current challenges, legal barriers, societal attitudes, global perspectives, and the path forward, emphasizing why openness is not a privilege but a right that Bangladesh must embrace.
The Historical Context: From Colonial Oppression to Modern Struggles
Bangladesh’s journey with LGBT rights is marred by a legacy of colonial imposition and post-independence conservatism. The root of legal discrimination lies in Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, inherited from the British Indian Penal Code of 1860. This draconian law criminalizes “carnal intercourse against the order of nature,” a vague phrase interpreted to target same-sex relations between men, with penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. Women in same-sex relationships are not explicitly mentioned, but they face similar societal and indirect legal threats. This colonial relic was designed to enforce Victorian morality on colonized peoples, and Bangladesh, upon independence in 1971, failed to repeal it, allowing it to fester like an open wound.
Pre-colonial Bengali society had nuances of gender fluidity. Historical texts and folklore mention hijras—third-gender individuals who held roles in royal courts and cultural rituals—as part of the social fabric. Sufi traditions and folk literature sometimes celebrated non-normative love, but British rule pathologized these expressions, labeling them “unnatural.” Post-1971, the secular constitution of 1972 promised equality, but the 1988 amendment declaring Islam the state religion embedded conservative values, making LGBT visibility taboo.
The 1990s and 2000s saw underground LGBT networks form, influenced by global movements. The 2013 government recognition of hijra as a third gender was a milestone, allowing some access to IDs, education quotas, and welfare. But this was limited—hijras still face exclusion, and it didn’t extend to gays, lesbians, or binary trans people. The 2016 murder of Xulhaz Mannan, founder of Roopbaan (Bangladesh’s first LGBT magazine), by Al-Qaeda affiliates, shocked the world and highlighted the deadly risks. Mannan’s killers quizzed victims on Islamic verses before slaughtering them—a chilling reminder of how religion is weaponized against LGBT people.
The Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina (2009-2024) offered some protections through crackdowns on extremists, but failed to repeal Section 377 or enact anti-discrimination laws. The 2024 political crisis—student protests leading to Hasina’s ouster—has worsened things. The interim Yunus government, facing Islamist pressures, has seen a surge in conservative discourse, leaving LGBT people more vulnerable. I support LGBT rights because history shows progress is possible when societies reject colonial and religious chains. Gays and lesbians have always existed in Bangladesh; it’s time they live openly.
The Current Legal Landscape: A System Built on Discrimination
As of 2025, Bangladesh remains one of 64 countries criminalizing same-sex acts, per ILGA’s State-Sponsored Homophobia Report. Section 377 is rarely prosecuted but serves as a tool for harassment. Police use it for extortion, raiding gatherings or using dating apps to entrap individuals. There are no laws protecting against discrimination in employment, housing, or healthcare. Same-sex marriage, adoption, and partnerships are unrecognized.
The Cyber Security Act 2023 exacerbates this, criminalizing “obscene” online content, often targeting LGBT advocacy. HRW’s 2025 World Report notes increased threats to LGBT activists, with police raids and arrests. In November 2025, police raided the home of Sahara Chowdhury, a trans activist, under pretext of “obscenity.” Chowdhury, expelled from university in August 2025 for “threats” (likely her advocacy), staged a hunger strike in October for marriage rights.
Hijra recognition is flawed: Many face bureaucratic hurdles, forced exams, and stigma. Trans men and non-binary people have no legal pathway. The Constitution’s Article 28 prohibits discrimination, but “sex” doesn’t include orientation or identity.
Bangladesh ratified ICCPR, but ignores Article 26 (non-discrimination). UN UPR 2025 mid-term urges decriminalization—ignored. I support LGBT rights because laws like Section 377 are relics of hate. Gays and lesbians deserve openness—it’s their right under international law.
Societal Attitudes: Stigma, Violence, and Silence
Society views LGBT people as “deviants” or “sinners,” influenced by Islamic teachings condemning homosexuality. Families force marriages to “cure” them, leading to mental health crises. Suicide rates are high; in 2025, activist Shakil’s death was ruled “unnatural,” but incitement ignored.
Violence is rampant: HRW 2025 reports increased assaults post-2024, with mobs targeting perceived LGBT. Outright International’s 2025 research shows LBQ women facing online harassment. Funding cuts (Eco-Business Jan 2026) have scaled back services.
Post-2024, conservatism surges; NCP expelled Muntasir Rahman in February 2025 for being gay. I support LGBT rights because openness combats stigma. Gays and lesbians hiding perpetuates hate; visibility fosters acceptance.
Challenges: From Police Abuse to Funding Crises
Police abuse is endemic: Extortion, assaults in custody. Healthcare denies services; “conversion therapy” persists. Education expels trans students like Sahara.
Funding collapse: Eco-Business 2026 reports US cuts under Trump halved budgets, closing offices. Noboprobhaat Foundation laid off staff.
Political parties ignore LGBT; no support. I support because rights are human rights. Openness is key to dismantling barriers.
Why Openness is a Right: Legal, Moral, Global Arguments
Openness is protected under ICCPR Article 19 (expression), Article 17 (privacy). In HJ (Iran) v SSHD [2010] UKSC 31, suppressing identity to avoid persecution is unreasonable.
Morally, authenticity is core to humanity. Denying openness is denying existence.
Globally, decriminalization in India (2018) led to progress. Nepal’s marriage equality inspires. Bangladesh lags, but change is possible.
I support because openness heals society.
Path Forward: Demands and Hope
Repeal Section 377, enact anti-discrimination laws, educate, protect activists.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh’s 2025 report documents challenges but calls for advocacy. Pride Month 2025 was fear-filled, but resilience shines.
Conclusion
LGBT in Bangladesh deserve rights, openness. I support fully—join the fight.
