Bangladesh: 5 trans women arrested for begging

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

LGBT activists call for release of trans women

Five trans hijras in custody, with Bangladesh police officer at left. (Photo courtesy of JMBF) — **Five trans hijras in custody, with police officer at left. (Photo courtesy of JMBF)**

Bangladesh newspapers have reported on five transgender/hijra people who were arrested while begging in the area of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, and sentenced to one month for “extortion” and “public disturbance.” While the exact circumstances of their arrests are unclear, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), an LGBT advocacy group, has issued the following statement condemning the arrests and calling for justice and security for LGBT people in Bangladesh.

Statement from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France:

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent conviction and imprisonment of five individuals from the transgender/third gender/hijra community on charges of extortion and public disturbance at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on April 6.

France-based Rights Organization JMBF believes that this action will exacerbate the marginalization of an already vulnerable group in society and perpetuate harmful stereotypes while failing to address the root causes of their alleged behavior and activities.

According to reports in Bangladeshi newspapers, on the afternoon of April 6, 2024, Babli (24), Apu Akhtar (30), Rhea Chakraborty (18), Kaya Moni (24), and Ranu Mondal (18) were convicted and sentenced to one month of imprisonment by a mobile court for extortion and public disturbance in the airport area. [Editor’s note: Exactly what happened at the airport is unclear.]

Bangladeshi human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, demands the immediate release of Babli, Apu Akhtar, Rhea Chakraborty, Kaya Moni, and Ranu Mondal, and also urges authorities to ensure fair treatment and equal rights for all individuals regardless of their gender identity.

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JMBF asserts that using the law to target and punish individuals based on their gender identity is unacceptable and violates the principles of equality and human dignity. It is imperative to address the underlying discrimination and provide support and protection to all members of the transgender community. Discrimination and prejudice have no place in modern society, and the government must work to create a more inclusive and just environment for all.

JMBF calls upon the government to pass and enact legislation protecting sexual minority individuals, as well as to repeal Article 377 of the penal code promptly. JMBF remains vigilant in monitoring this incident and stands in solidarity with the victims and all sexual minority individuals in Bangladesh.

You can read the full JMBF statement here.