Queer and Trans People Attacked by an Extremist Islamist Mob in Shahbagh

A group of queer and gender-diverse people were assaulted by an extremist Islamist mob near the National Museum in Shahbagh, Dhaka, after being targeted over their perceived gender identity and sexual orientation. The attack took place at around 8:00 pm on 10 April, when a group of eight to 10 friends were sitting at a roadside tea stall opposite Shahbagh Police Station. The group included a Hijra person and a trans man. According to the victims, around 70–80 people had gathered nearby under the banner of “Azadi Andolon,” chanting slogans against homosexuality and making threats against queer and trans people. Members of the gathering later approached the group after noticing the Hijra person and told them that “homosexuals” had to leave the area. The confrontation escalated into physical violence. At least four people were initially reported assaulted, while subsequent accounts indicated that several others were injured. Women in the group were also subjected to sexual harassment and physical violence, including being dragged, thrown to the ground and kicked.

The attack occurred close to Shahbagh Police Station. The victims said they sought assistance from police during the assault but did not receive immediate protection. With help from local shopkeepers and bystanders, members of the group eventually escaped and took shelter inside the police station. They also alleged that mobile journalists continued filming and harassing them despite requests to stop. According to the victims, police initially declined to register a case, FIR or general diary, and a complaint was recorded only after they remained at the station for several hours. They later went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. The Daily Star subsequently reported that a general diary was filed over the attack.