Bangladesh: New political party seeks reform but ousts member for being gay
Human rights advocates condemn ‘hateful remarks’ about him and the LGBTQI+ community
Bangladeshi students at the forefront of protests that last year ousted Sheikh Hasina as prime minister launched a political party last month, then promptly excluded an LGBTQ rights advocate who had protested side by side with them.
The human rights advocacy group JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France condemned his ouster and the “discriminatory and hateful remarks made on social media targeting Muntasir Mamun and the LGBTQI+ community”.
Muntasir Mamun, a gay man, civil engineer and human rights activist in Bangladesh, was removed from the new Jatiya Nagorik Party (the National Citizen Party or NCP) on March 1 due to internal disagreements over his views. He has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and sexual minority rights through his writings on social media and involvement in local activist groups.
He was the target of disdain for his advocacy of LGBTQ rights and gender equality, which caused friction with some influential NCP members after he was named to a leadership position in the party.
Opponents questioned how an openly LGBTQ individual could lead in a country where over 90% of citizens are Muslim.
As the controversy went viral on social media, Mamun’s Facebook account became inaccessible, leading many to believe he deactivated it. His ouster remains a subject of intense interest on social media, where both supporters and opponents debate the issue.
The launch of the NCP “opens a new chapter in the turbulent politics of the South Asian country, which was born in 1971 after separating from Pakistan”, Reuters reported. “Political analysts believe that a youth-led party could significantly reshape national politics, dominated for decades by Hasina’s Awami League party and her rival, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party.”
Reuters reported further:
“Nahid Islam, a student leader who went on to become an adviser in the interim government that took charge after Hasina’s exit, quit the administration on [Feb. 26] to lead the new party as its convener. … Islam told [a Feb. 28] gathering — which included leaders from other political parties — that the new party would present an alternative political choice for Bangladeshis. ‘We will keep Bangladesh and the interest of its citizens in mind and join hands to build a new nation,” said Islam, a Bangladesh flag wrapped around his forehead.’ ”
JMBF issued this statement, signed by Md. Joynul Abedin, JMBF coordinator:
JMBF Strongly Condemns Discriminatory and Hateful Remarks Against the LGBTQI+ Community by the Leadership of the Newly Formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP)
Paris, France; March 2, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the recent discriminatory and hateful remarks made on social media targeting Muntasir Mamun and the LGBTQI+ community. These remarks, made by Hasnat Abdullah (southern region), Sarjis Alam (northern region), the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP), and anti-discrimination movement leader Mahin Sarkar on March 1, 2025, blatantly violate fundamental human rights. Such statements fuel bigotry and intolerance and directly oppose the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity.
JMBF is deeply alarmed by the unjust exclusion of Muntasir Mamun from the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) based on unverified allegations and under pressure from religious extremists. This decision sets a dangerous precedent of intolerance and exclusion, contradicting democratic values and human rights principles that any responsible political entity should uphold.
JMBF firmly asserts that every individual—regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation—has the right to live with dignity, participate in public life, and engage in politics without fear of persecution. The hateful rhetoric expressed by certain leaders and activists in Bangladesh is deeply concerning and undermines the nation’s commitment to human rights as recognized under international law.
Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “This blatant act of discrimination against Muntasir Mamun is unacceptable. Denying LGBTQI+ individuals their basic rights, including political participation, is a step backward for human rights and democracy in Bangladesh.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, added, “LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. The removal of Muntasir Mamun under pressure from intolerant forces is a violation of his fundamental freedoms. We urge all democratic and progressive forces in Bangladesh to stand against discrimination and ensure that all citizens, irrespective of their identity, are treated with equality and respect.”
JMBF Demands Immediate Action:
- A public apology from the leadership of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for endorsing hate speech and discrimination.
- Immediate intervention from the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the protection of LGBTQI+ individuals from political and social persecution.
- Strong action against those who incite hatred and promote intolerance through social media and public statements.
- JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France remains committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and advocating for a just, inclusive, and rights-based society in Bangladesh and beyond.