Bangladeshi transgender woman and rights activist Hochemin Islam was unable to deliver her scheduled remarks at the Women's Career Carnival 2023 at North South University (NSU) in Dhaka amid opposition, online campaigns and threats from a section of students. The two-day event, held on 24 and 25 November 2023, was organised to discuss women's employment, professional development, leadership and equal opportunities in the workplace. The event was jointly organised by Heroes for All and iSocial Limited, with support from North South University's Career and Placement Center (CPC). Hochemin Islam had been invited to participate in a discussion associated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on 24 November. Her scheduled discussion concerned equal employment opportunities for marginalised communities, inclusive workplaces and ways to address discrimination in employment. However, opposition centred on her transgender identity, followed by threats and security concerns, resulted in the cancellation of her scheduled session before the event took place.

After promotional materials featuring Hochemin Islam's name and photograph were circulated, a section of NSU students began campaigning on social media against her participation. In particular, members of a Facebook-based student group called NSU Islam Practitioners opposed her presence at the event. They alleged that allowing a transgender woman to speak at the university would promote LGBTQ+ identities and homosexuality on campus. Based on these allegations, they sent a formal objection to the university's Vice-Chancellor. The letter reportedly cited Sections 377 and 295A of the Penal Code and attempted to portray Hochemin Islam's presence as offensive to religious sentiments and legally objectionable. Her scheduled discussion, however, concerned employment opportunities for marginalised communities and workplace inclusion rather than homosexuality or sexual conduct. The opposition therefore centred on her transgender identity rather than the stated subject of her scheduled discussion.

The opposition was not limited to discussions on social media. Alongside communications sent to the university authorities, threats were reportedly made concerning the event and the participation of Hochemin Islam. The Business Standard reported that organisers also received anonymous threats. These developments raised concerns about the safety of Hochemin Islam as well as organisers, volunteers and participants attending the event.

Rehnuma Karim, founder and president of Heroes for All, told The Daily Star that Hochemin Islam had been invited to participate in an intellectual discussion about workplace inclusion. According to Karim, objections to Hochemin's participation began appearing on social media around four to five days before the event. A section of students subsequently increased pressure concerning her participation. Karim said that she herself received threats and that student volunteers involved with the event were also threatened. There were also threats to disrupt the event, which was open to participants from outside the university. Although organisers initially attempted to proceed with Hochemin's session, increasing security concerns eventually led to the decision to cancel it.

On 23 November 2023, one day before her scheduled appearance, Hochemin Islam was informed that she would no longer be able to participate in the discussion. She told The Business Standard that she had been informed that her session would not take place because of opposition from students. Organisers, meanwhile, indicated that the decision was taken in consideration of security concerns. On 24 November, a section of students appeared on the university campus with banners and placards opposing her presence. Accounts from the parties involved differed regarding exactly when and by whom the final decision to cancel the session was made. What was established was that, amid threats and security concerns, Hochemin Islam did not get the opportunity to deliver her scheduled remarks at the university event.

Following the incident, Hochemin Islam described her experience publicly. She said that the organisers had tried to facilitate her participation but that her session was ultimately cancelled because of security concerns. Speaking to The Daily Star, she explained that her scheduled discussion was about creating equitable workplace opportunities for marginalised people and ensuring inclusive working environments. The planned discussion did not concern the promotion of homosexuality, as alleged by those opposing her participation. Nevertheless, amid opposition centred on her transgender identity and the resulting security concerns, she was unable to participate in the scheduled session.