In Bangladesh, third-gender citizen hospitalized after armed attack
‘A heinous example of hatred-motivated violence’, Bangladesh rights defenders say.
Human rights defenders are protesting an armed attack on a third-gender person in western Bangladesh on May 28.
“This attack is not merely an assault on one individual but a heinous example of hatred-motivated violence against the Hijra and gender minority communities,” said the human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France. “JMBF views it as an attempt to intimidate and marginalize an important segment of society.”
JMBF issued the following statement of protest:
Condemnation of the brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra in Jessore and call for urgent legal reforms to protect human rights for LGBT individuals without discrimination
Paris, France | June 12, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and outrage over the premeditated brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra, a well-known third-gender Hijra individual from Baliaghat village in Jessore district. On the night of Wednesday, May 28, around 10:30 p.m., local assailants armed with traditional weapons violently assaulted him, severely injuring him and looting eight tolas [about 93 grams or 0.2 pounds] of gold jewelry. He is currently receiving treatment at Jessore General Hospital.
JMBF strongly condemns this act of terror against Nazrul Hijra and demands the swift arrest of the perpetrators, a transparent and speedy trial, and exemplary punishment.
This attack is not merely an assault on one individual but a heinous example of hatred-motivated violence against the Hijra and gender minority communities. JMBF views it as an attempt to intimidate and marginalize an important segment of society.
Robert Simon, internationally renowned French human rights activist and Chief Advisor of JMBF stated, “Violence against Hijra and LGBT+ communities in Bangladesh violates international human rights laws and standards. It is time to end such attacks and ensure justice.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder president of JMBF and Bangladeshi human rights lawyer, said, “The attack on Nazrul Hijra is deeply saddening and alarming. We demand exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, proper medical care and security for the victim, and the repeal of Section 377 of the Penal Code. A separate progressive law must be enacted to protect the rights of sexual and gender minorities.”
Demands of JMBF:
- Immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators: All involved in this attack must be arrested immediately and subjected to strict legal punishment to prevent future violence.
- Ensure medical care and security for the victim: Nazrul Hijra’s medical treatment, psychosocial support, and personal security must be guaranteed by the state.
- Repeal Section 377 of the Penal Code: This discriminatory provision criminalizing same-sex relations and gender minorities must be abolished without delay.
- Enact a dedicated law protecting LGBTQI+ rights: A human rights-based law is urgently needed to ensure equal access and protection in education, health, employment, family recognition, and social security.
JMBF believes that ensuring justice for Nazrul Hijra and instituting necessary legal reforms will help Bangladesh move toward a more diverse, humane, and just society. We call upon the Bangladesh government, National Human Rights Commission, lawmakers, and the international community to take immediate and decisive action.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses solidarity with the injured Nazrul Hijra and reiterates its commitment to closely monitor and combat ongoing human rights violations against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.
