Page 1 — Introduction and Context 
Bangladesh has become increasingly hostile for LGBT activists, who face threats, harassment, and even murder for their advocacy. Despite constitutional commitments to equality, sexual minorities remain deeply marginalised and vulnerable. 

Over the past decade, high-profile murders of LGBT activists have highlighted the dangers of speaking out. Many others live in fear, forced underground or into exile. The lack of state protection and the rise of extremist violence have made Bangladesh one of the most perilous places in South Asia for LGBT advocacy. 

Page 2 — Historical and Political Background 
Bangladesh’s penal code, a remnant of colonial-era law, criminalises same-sex relations under Section 377. Though prosecutions are rare, the law reinforces stigma and legitimises discrimination. 

In the 2010s, LGBT activism began to emerge more visibly in Bangladesh, with publications, advocacy groups, and events raising awareness. However, this visibility also attracted violent backlash, particularly from Islamist extremists. 

The government has failed to adequately protect activists, often dismissing LGBT rights as incompatible with social and religious norms. 

Page 3 — Forms of Persecution and Violence 
LGBT activists face severe threats in Bangladesh, including: 

- Targeted killings: Notably, in 2016, Xulhaz Mannan, founder of Roopbaan, was murdered by extremists. 
- Death threats: Activists routinely receive threats from extremist groups. 
- Police harassment: LGBT gatherings raided, with participants detained or intimidated. 
- Social ostracism: Families disown or force marriages on LGBT individuals. 
- Lack of legal protection: No laws exist to safeguard sexual minorities from hate crimes. 

These conditions create a hostile environment where activism can be a matter of life or death. 

Page 4 — Consequences for Activists and Society 
The threats and murders of LGBT activists have silenced much of the movement in Bangladesh. Many activists have fled abroad, seeking asylum in Europe and North America. Others remain underground, unable to advocate openly. 

For society, the suppression of LGBT voices reinforces intolerance and exclusion. It undermines democratic freedoms and human rights, while depriving the country of diversity and innovation. 

Internationally, Bangladesh’s failure to protect LGBT citizens has drawn criticism from human rights organisations, further complicating its reputation as a rights-respecting nation. 

Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion 
Addressing violence against LGBT activists in Bangladesh requires urgent action. 

Key steps include: 
- Repealing Section 377: decriminalise same-sex relations to remove the legal basis for discrimination. 
- Ensuring protection: provide state security for activists under threat. 
- Accountability: prosecute extremist groups responsible for attacks. 
- Awareness campaigns: challenge stigma through education and dialogue. 
- International advocacy: support LGBT Bangladeshis in exile and pressure Dhaka to uphold human rights. 

Until these reforms occur, LGBT activists in Bangladesh will continue to face threats, violence, and murder, leaving their voices silenced and their rights denied.