Trump’s victory in the U.S. election, and with it a catastrophe descends on the entire world. In America, trans people lose their identity; the LGBIQ+ community faces the most intense environment of hatred and hostility in history. This did not remain confined to America. USAID’s funding was shut down, with LGBTIQ+ organizations particularly targeted; the repeal of DEI policies strengthened anti-inclusion attitudes worldwide. In Europe, far-right nationalist political parties took power; in Africa, extremist Christian groups; in the Middle East and Asia, extremist Muslim groups—together making the situation ever more and more complicated. In many countries of the world, there are courts, opposition parties, human rights organizations, campaign groups, activists, and various protective shelter systems to keep this situation in check and balance. But in Bangladesh? Even after so many years, nothing seems to have been able to stand strong here.

The deposed former Awami League government had established overwhelming, monopolistic control over the courts, the administration, and civil society organizations. As a result, the overall human rights situation had trended downward. The U.S. human rights report repeatedly highlighted discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community and called for establishing their rights. But many members of parliament and ministers of the Awami League rejected this and made hateful remarks against the LGBTIQ+ community. Although the LGBTIQI+ community—seeing the Awami League as a secular liberal political party—considered it more secure and trustworthy, the Awami League, by remaining in power for a long time, distanced itself from its supportive communities and drew close to Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and many like-minded hardline Islamic parties. Toward the end of the Awami League government, the anti-LGBTIQ+ movement assumed an even more frightening shape, yet the Awami League or the government did not step forward. Rather, the ruling Awami League government easily accepted the discriminatory demands of the anti-LGBTIQ+ groups. Naturally, these actions angered LGBTIQ+ activists. But there was no other secular liberal party as an alternative that could be relied upon and supported.

When a massive student movement began against the Awami League government in July 2024, LGBTIQ+ activists took part in the protests in support of the demonstrators—even though they feared that extremists might be empowered after the movement. However, there was no alternative but to participate in the movement. For a long time, they had been pressuring the government through various channels to move away from its stance against the LGBTIQ+ community. But the ousted Awami League government did not pay heed. Still, many LGBTIQ+ activists were in doubt that, if the Awami League government fell, extremist groups would come to power. Out of that apprehension, a group of LGBTIQ+ activists chose not to participate in the movement and instead adopted a policy of remaining silent. The movement succeeded, the Awami League government was ousted, but the country sank into a chaotic state. Mob violence erupted across the country. The extremists came out into the open. After much speculation, a government was formed. Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus became the Chief Adviser of the interim government. LGBTIQ+ activists saw a ray of hope, because Dr. Muhammad Yunus was secular and liberal. But a few days later the context changed. The student leaders who took part in the uprising began openly posting anti-LGBTIQ+ content on social media. From the newly formed political party, they expelled a young man named Muntasir Rahman on the allegation that he is an LGBTIQ+ activist. After assuming power, Dr. Muhammad Yunus forgot his ideals and became engrossed in safeguarding personal interests. He granted himself exemption from the cases filed against him during the previous government, granted tax exemptions to his founded Grameen Bank, and reduced the government’s shareholding in Grameen Bank. Other advisers of the government also became engaged in personal gain and widespread corruption. As a result, the public began to grow dissatisfied and popular support started to wane. On the one hand, public support was decreasing, and on the other, fearing the return of the deposed Awami League, the government led by Dr. Yunus began releasing convicted extremists from prison. According to a BBC report, more than 700 convicted terrorists and militants were released from jail. Across the country, extremists carried out attacks, looting, vandalism, threats, and mob actions, yet the government took no visible steps. Rather, in many incidents there was covert support from the government. The extremist groups are desperate to annihilate weak minority groups. Indigenous peoples, religious minorities, sex workers, and women have fallen prey to these extremist groups, but the most brutal victims have been the LGBTIQ+ community.

When Indigenous peoples, religious minorities, sex workers, and women are attacked by extremists, even if the government does not take measures, at least a statement is issued; but when LGBTIQ+ individuals face threats, expulsion from universities, attacks, and arrests, no one is raising their voice on their behalf. The international organizations that once brought in funds by showcasing diversity and inclusion have now adopted a policy of excluding the LGBTIQ+ community; international LGBTIQ+ organizations have not kept Bangladesh on their priority list; the so-called LGBTIQ+ organization in Bangladesh that has received millions of dollars has, to this day, failed to establish any sustainable mechanisms. Instead of empowering community members and creating employment, the organization has placed non-community individuals in top positions in organizations and projects. As a result, the projects have been used for the personal gain of only a few individuals and have brought no success for the community. Therefore, even after all this time, there is no shelter home in Bangladesh to save the lives of LGBTIQ+ individuals; no safe educational institutions; no safe healthcare facilities; no safe employment; no legal recognition; no security; no strong institutions; no strong supportive media; no good documentation mechanisms; no legal protection; no effective leadership. Day after day, such a harsh situation has disheartened genuine LGBTIQ+ activists. They are now so unsafe and anxious that they have been forced into hiding. It is as if there is nothing left in this country. This country seems to have turned into a dark death-pit.