Lesbian ‘Lady Biker’ arrested and imprisoned in Bangladesh
LGBTQI+ rights advocates say arrest was because of her sexual orientation.
The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has denounced the recent arrest and imprisonment of Irin Jahan Esha Sheikh, widely known as the “Lady Biker,” in Khulna, Bangladesh.
It has become increasingly evident that Esha was not detained based on any credible evidence of criminal activity, but was instead targeted because of her identity as a lesbian and her consensual romantic relationship with another woman. This case represents yet another tragic instance of the criminalization of same-sex relationships and the systematic persecution of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.
Esha’s arrest reflects the broader social stigma and legal discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. According to JMBF reliable source, Esha had been in a long-term relationship with Sanjida Hossain, the daughter of France-based expatriate Jahid Hossain. Upon discovering this relationship, the young woman’s family made repeated attempts to forcibly separate the couple. Matters escalated when the family falsely labeled Sanjida as a drug addict and sought to involuntarily commit her to a rehabilitation facility.
When Esha attempted to intervene and prevent what appears to be an unlawful detainment of her partner, she was arrested and falsely charged with physical assault and other fabricated allegations. This deeply troubling incident reveals a concerted effort by both private actors and state institutions to marginalize and criminalize individuals based solely on their sexual orientation.
Robert Simon, prominent LGBTQI+ rights activist in France and Chief Adviser to JMBF, stated, “This is a blatant case of state-backed homophobia. Esha’s arrest is not about justice. It’s about moral policing. Love is not a crime. Targeting someone for being in a same-sex relationship under the pretext of criminal charges is an affront to universal human rights and dignity. France and the global community must not remain silent.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, leading Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder-President of JMBF, added, “The legal system in Bangladesh is being manipulated to criminalize same-sex love. This is a gross violation of Esha’s fundamental rights under international human rights law, and a stark reminder of the discrimination sexual minorities endure every day. We demand her immediate release, a transparent and fair investigation, and full protection of her legal and human rights.”
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) urgently calls on the Government of Bangladesh and its law enforcement agencies to immediately drop all charges against Irin Jahan Esha Sheikh that are grounded in homophobia and unfounded suspicion. Her constitutional and human rights must be upheld. She deserves equal treatment under the law—free from stigma, discrimination, or violence.
We also call upon the international human rights community -— including advocacy organizations, legal institutions, and diplomatic missions — to raise their voices in solidarity and condemn this blatant miscarriage of justice. Silence in the face of such discrimination only enables further violations.
JMBF urges Bangladeshi civil society—particularly human rights defenders, legal professionals, the media, and the youth—to reject all forms of homophobia and to stand in unwavering solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.
We will continue to closely monitor developments in this case and remain steadfast in our support of Esha and all victims of injustice on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our commitment to building a just, inclusive, and equal society is unwavering.
Justice must be inclusive. It must be fearless. It must protect the most vulnerable—not punish them for who they are or whom they love.
