2 Bangladesh men arrested for alleged same-sex marriage
Gay sex is illegal in Bangladesh. Advocates call for men’s release.
The following is a lightly edited press release from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, an organization that fights for equality for LGBTQ+ people:
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned over the recent arrest of two men, Enayet Ullah and Sabuj Hossain, on charges of same-sex marriage by the Jibannagar police in Chuadanga on June 22, 2024. The France-based rights organization demands the immediate release of both men, the dropping of all charges against them, and calls for steps to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
According to reports published in various newspapers, Ullah (25) and Hossain (24) were arrested by the Jibannagar police on charges of same-sex marriage in Hariharnagar, a rural area in Khulna division in western Bangladesh. The two youths come from neighboring villages.
Ullah, a married man with a three-year-old daughter, developed a romantic relationship with Sabuj, and they allegedly got married one and a half months ago. When Ullah’s wife found out about the matter, she became angry and went to her father’s house. After she left, Ullah brought Sabuj to his house and they stayed the night. Subsequently, Ullah’s previous wife, his brother-in-law, and the people of the village went to his house and detained them. Later, they informed the Jibannagar Police Station, and upon receiving the information, the police quickly arrived and arrested Ullah and Sabuj. On June 23, Sunday, they were handed over to the Chuadanga court, which sent them to jail.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, stated with grief that the arrest of these two youths in Chuadanga on charges of same-sex marriage highlights the ongoing persecution and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Bangladesh, which must be stopped immediately.
JMBF urges the decriminalization of homosexuality in Bangladesh by repealing Section 377 of the Penal Code and enacting special laws for protecting sexual minorities. The group remains committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and ensuring justice for marginalized communities. JMBF calls upon the international community to stand with us in advocating for the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Bangladesh. JMBF will continue to monitor this case closely and stands in solidarity with Enayet Ullah, Sabuj Hossain, and all those who are persecuted for their sexual orientation in Bangladesh.
