Bangladesh LGBT advocates demand investigation of trans woman’s death

Trans/hijra community faces systemic violence and neglect, advocates say

Below is a statement from the LGBTQ advocacy group JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France on the suspicious death of Mau Hijra in Jessore, Bangladesh. Mau Hijra was a hijra — a term used on the Indian subcontinent for people who identify as third gender, or neither male nor female. As Erasing 76 Crimes has previously reported, the hijra community faces systemic violence, discrimination, and poverty across the region. The statement has been lightly edited for clarity.

JMBF calls for investigation into alleged murder of Mau Hijra in Jessore

France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply appalled and outraged by the suspicious and tragic death of Mau Hijra in Jessore, which appears to be a premeditated act of murder disguised as a natural death on December 1, 2024. JMBF believes that such abhorrent acts not only represent a blatant violation of human dignity but also highlight the rampant impunity and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, particularly the hijra community in Bangladesh.

The organization asserts that the allegations that Mau Hijra’s house owner Fateh Begum and her associates are accused of orchestrating her death and looting her possessions demand an immediate and uncompromising investigation.

Additionally, the Hijra community’s voice, as articulated by Bhavna Hijra, deserves urgent attention and support. No individual or community should endure such heinous acts of violence, neglect, and theft, especially in a society that claims to uphold justice and equality.

“The death of Mau Hijra and the looting of her belongings reflect a troubling pattern of systemic neglect and discrimination against the Hijra community in Bangladesh. We urge the Bangladeshi authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future,” says Robert Simon, Chief Adviser of JMBF and a French human rights activist.

“This incident is not an isolated one but a symptom of deeper societal injustices. We demand the immediate formation of an independent investigative body to uncover the truth and hold all those responsible accountable. The time for justice and reform is now,” says advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder-President of JMBF.

JMBF calls upon the authorities in Bangladesh to take decisive action, including the immediate formation of an independent and impartial investigative body to uncover the truth behind Mau Hijra’s death. All individuals involved in this alleged murder and subsequent looting must be brought to justice without delay.

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JMBF emphasizes that this incident reflects a broader pattern of systemic discrimination against the Hijra community, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to safeguard their rights and ensure their protection under the law.

The organization demands that the Bangladeshi government reaffirm its commitment to the principles of equality and justice by taking concrete steps to protect all vulnerable communities, including decriminalizing homosexuality and enacting legal protections for the sexual minority LGBTQ community in Bangladesh as soon as possible.

JMBF stands in solidarity with the Hijra community in their pursuit of justice for Mau Hijra. Together with human rights advocates around the world, we will not rest until truth and accountability are achieved in this case. Let this be a turning point in the fight against violence, discrimination, and systemic injustice in Bangladesh.