Bangladesh politician labels LGBTQ+ people ‘mentally ill,’ ‘cancer to society’
Bangladesh activists condemn anti-LGBTQ statements amid rising violence
Paris-based LGBTQ+ rights group JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France has issued the following statement condemning recent anti-LGBTQ+ comments made by a prominent Bangladeshi politician on Facebook amid a climate of rising violence against queer people. The statement has been lightly edited by Erasing 76 Crimes.
JMBF Deeply Concerned Over NCP Chief Organizer’s Statement Labeling LGBTQ+ Individuals as “Mentally Ill” and “Cancer to Society”
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation over a statement published on May 18, 2025, by Mr. Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer of the Northern Region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), on his verified Facebook page. In the statement, Mr. Alam referred to members of the LGBTQ+ community as “mentally ill” and “cancer to society.” JMBF finds this rhetoric to be in stark violation of fundamental human rights principles and a direct attack on the ideals of equality, dignity, and tolerance.
The National Citizens Party (NCP), formed from the anti-discrimination student movement and currently backed by Bangladesh’s interim government under Chief Advisor and Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has witnessed a growing pattern of hate speech from its leadership. On May 18, Mr. Alam posted a series of inflammatory and discriminatory remarks targeting homosexuality, transgender individuals, and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
In his post, Mr. Alam characterized LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill” and “cancer to society,” further asserting that such “vile and destructive cultures” must be actively resisted.
“Those mentally ill individuals who nurture and promote these deadly diseases that destroy family, society, and the state should be given mental treatment, not encouragement,” he wrote. “These are the cancers that can gradually destroy the nation from within the household, and we cannot allow such opportunities.”
JMBF strongly asserts that all individuals—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or difference—are entitled to equal rights and dignity. Statements like these from senior political leaders incite hatred, promote division, and significantly endanger the lives and well-being of sexual minorities. Such language is a blatant violation of both national and international human rights standards.
It is worth noting that both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA) have long removed homosexuality from their lists of mental disorders. Globally, homosexuality is recognized as a natural expression of human diversity. While much of the world is working towards inclusion and acceptance, it is deeply troubling that high-ranking officials of a party advocating for an inclusive state continue to spread hate speech that directly fuels extremist religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh.
“Respecting diversity and differing opinions is a hallmark of a civilized society. Disparaging, hateful, and demeaning remarks against the LGBTQ+ community are utterly unacceptable. They defy the core principles of human rights and drag both society and the nation backward. We strongly protest these statements and urge the responsible individuals to retract them and uphold the values of equality and respect,” says Robert Simon, a Chief Advisor to JMBF.
“This is not an isolated incident. Since its inception, the National Citizens Party has consistently propagated hateful and discriminatory rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community. On March 1, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and anti-discrimination student leader Mahin Sarkar made similar posts on Facebook. Furthermore, on February 28, the party removed gay rights activist Muntasir Mamun from its central committee,” Founding President of JMBF Advocate Shahanur Islam says.
“All stakeholders must uphold and protect human rights. Disrespectful and discriminatory statements against LGBTQ+ individuals violate both Bangladeshi law and international human rights treaties. These statements must be retracted, and serious efforts must be made to promote respect, tolerance, and social harmony.”
JMBF Calls for the Following Actions:
- Legal Accountability: Immediate filing of criminal cases and arrest of Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Mahin Sarkar, and all others involved in repeated hate speech and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Transparent and expedited trials must be conducted in a special tribunal to ensure exemplary punishment.
- Public Retraction & Apology: The National Citizens Party and all relevant actors must withdraw their discriminatory remarks, issue formal public apologies, and commit to anti-discrimination efforts aligned with Bangladeshi law and international human rights obligations.
- Diplomatic Pressure: JMBF urges embassies and high commissions of France, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations offices in Bangladesh to suspend cooperation with the National Citizens Party and cease all official engagement.
- Sanctions: JMBF formally requests the United Nations, European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and all democratic states to consider imposing targeted sanctions against the National Citizens Party and its leadership.
- Legislative Reform: Repeal Section 377 of the Penal Code and enact comprehensive legislation to protect the rights and ensure the safety of sexual minority individuals in Bangladesh.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of respect, dignity, inclusiveness, and the protection of all communities from discrimination and violence.
