A human rights organization, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed worry about the increasing violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh. In Paris, an event titled ‘Apero-debat: Les droits LGBTQI+ dans le monde (LGBTQI+ Rights Around the World)’ was held to mark the end of Pride Month 2026. The program, organized by Solidarite International LGBTQI+, brought together activists, diplomats, and civil society leaders to discuss challenges and strategies for LGBTQI+ rights globally.
Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, participated in a discussion focusing on the colonial origins of anti-LGBTQI+ laws and strategies to challenge them. He highlighted concerns over the situation in Bangladesh, particularly the impact of Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code, a law criminalizing same-sex relations. Shahanur emphasized the need to repeal Section 377, citing its role in promoting fear and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals.
The human rights situation for LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh has worsened since the change in government in August 2024, according to Shahanur. He pointed out the rise in activities by extremist Islamist groups, leading to attacks, threats against activists, exclusion of LGBTQI+ students from schools, and increased hate speech online. Shahanur shared data from JMBF’s report, which documented 260 human rights violations affecting over 400 LGBTQI+ individuals in 2025.
Shahanur called for a comprehensive response to address the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. He urged the repeal of Article 377, accountability for attacks, protection of students, measures against hate speech and extremist violence, and enhanced international support for LGBTQI+ rights defenders in the country.
