Despite lack of evidence, Bangladesh university ousts two alleged lesbians

It’s a gross violation of human rights, LGBTQ rights advocates say.

 

A female student was expelled from her Islamic University residence hall on Jan. 21, while a female friend of hers was turned over to police after a crowd of students accused the pair of homosexuality.

The university’s actions were blatant discrimination and a gross violation of human rights without regard for the principles of justice and human dignity. according to the human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

Recently, Islamic University was also the site of homophobic protests against an allegedly homosexual academic, who was barred from teaching there last year.

In the latest incident, the accused residential student Mia (a pseudonym) denied allegations against her, stating that she was attending an examination at the time of the alleged incident and that claims of being found in a compromising position were fabricated. She said  her friend was staying with her temporarily while she recovered from an illness early in her pregnancy.

Despite Mia’s denial, the university expelled her without conducting an investigation or providing any evidence to substantiate the accusations, JMBF said.

 

JMBF issued this statement:

JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Recent Unjust Detention of Two Lesbian Women at Islamic University, Kushtia, on Allegations of Homosexuality

Paris, France; January 23, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), is deeply alarmed and outraged by the recent detention of two lesbian women at Khaleda Zia Hall of Islamic University (IU). Among the detained women, one student was forcefully expelled from the university residence hall, while another woman was handed over to the police solely because of their sexual orientation on January 21, 2025.

JMBF asserts that the actions taken by the hall authorities—including the unjust detention of these two women, the expulsion of a lesbian residential student based on allegations of homosexuality, and the handing over of an outsider to police custody—constitute a gross violation of human rights, blatant discrimination, and a disregard for the principles of justice and human dignity.

The accused residential student has categorically denied the allegations, stating that she was attending an examination at the time of the alleged incident and that the claims of being found in a compromising position are entirely fabricated. She further clarified that her friend was staying with her temporarily due to her poor health. Despite this, the hall authorities acted solely on verbal complaints without conducting any investigation or providing any evidence to substantiate the accusations.

Facts in Brief (according to news published on different newspapers in Bangladesh):

On Tuesday afternoon, January 21, two women were detained on allegations of homosexuality at Khaleda Zia Hall of Islamic University (IU). Among them, one was a residential student of the hall, while the other was an outsider. Following the incident, the residential student was instructed to leave the hall, and the outsider was handed over to police custody. Residential students of the hall demanded punishment, citing allegations of homosexuality.

According to the hall authorities’ directive, a residential student of Room 306 in the new block of Khaleda Zia Hall, referred to as Mim (a pseudonym), was reportedly allowing an outsider woman to stay in her room occasionally. The students of that room claimed they found the two in a compromising situation. After informing the hall authorities, an emergency meeting was called, where the decision was made to expel the residential student and hand over the outsider to the police.

Following the emergency meeting, the hall provost, Professor Dr. Jalal Uddin, stated that the actions were taken based on verbal complaints from the students. “We took this step after seriously considering the complaints from the students,” he said.

The accused student, however, denied the allegations, stating that they were baseless. She added, “At the time this incident supposedly happened, I was sitting for my exam in the examination hall. Furthermore, I am four months pregnant and had my friend stay with me in the hall to assist me due to my poor health. Without any investigation, I was told to leave the hall based on allegations. Today, the hall authorities informed me that I was accused of homosexuality, but when I asked for evidence, they failed to provide any. If anyone can present proof against me, I am willing to leave the hall. As for being found in a compromising position, that is entirely false and fabricated.”

Professor Dr. Jalal Uddin reiterated that the decision was made based on verbal complaints from the students. After being notified of the matter in the afternoon, an emergency meeting was convened, leading to the outsider being handed over to the police and the residential student being asked to leave.

JMBF unequivocally condemns this arbitrary and prejudiced action, which perpetuates stigma and discrimination against individuals based on their perceived or alleged sexual orientation. It is unacceptable that, in the 21st century, women can still be subjected to such inhumane treatment without due process, particularly in an academic institution that should champion equality, justice, and inclusivity.

Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBT rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “This incident is a chilling reminder of the rampant discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh. No one should be subjected to such humiliation and injustice based on their sexual orientation. We demand immediate governmental and international intervention to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of the affected women.”

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and founder president of JMBF, added, “This is not an isolated incident of violations against LGBT individuals in Bangladesh. Rather, it is part of a widespread pattern of abuse and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in the country, most of which remains unreported due to social stigma. Such violations must stop immediately.”

He further stated, “This is not just a violation of human rights but also a stark example of institutional bias against women and marginalized communities. The actions of the hall authorities are in clear breach of legal and ethical standards. We demand a full investigation into this matter, the immediate reinstatement of the residential student, and accountability for those responsible for this injustice.”

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France calls on the Government of Bangladesh, the Islamic University authorities, the Ministry of Education, and human rights organizations in Bangladesh to take swift and decisive action to address this incident.

JMBF also urges the international community to stand in solidarity with the victims and advocate for systemic changes to eradicate such discriminatory practices.

In addition, JMBF calls for the enactment of a Sexual Minority Individual Protection Act and the decriminalization of homosexuality by repealing Section 377 of the Bangladesh Penal Code to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ individuals.

JMBF will continue to monitor the developments of this case and advocate tirelessly for the protection and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or social status.