According to reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh, the two lesbian teenagers were apprehended from the Brajabaksa area of Helatla Union in Kalaroa Upazila on January 4, 2024, by the members of the Kalaroa Police Station. One of the arrested girls is Mahima Khatun (17), daughter of Abdul Mannan from Idanpur village in the Doara Bazar police station of Sunamganj district, and the other is Rubina Khatun (18), daughter of Anisur Rahman from Brajbaksa village in Helatla Union of Kalaroa Upazila in Satkhira.
The mother of one of the girls expressed her anguish, stating, "Rubina Khatun is my only child whom I dearly love. I faced immense difficulties to convince Mahima Khatun to her home in Sylhet, but she adamantly refused, insisting on staying with my daughter. Failing to persuade her, I resorted to informing the police. I am deeply worried about her well-being."
Local UP member Nachima Khatun reported that the girl from Sylhet arrived on January 3rd, and the matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the authorities. Despite facing societal backlash, the girls remain steadfast in their commitment to each other, expressing their intention to build a life together working in garment factories, even referring to each other as husband and wife.
In an interview, Officer-in-charge Rafiqul Islam disclosed that the relationship between the two girls had developed over social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok approximately a year ago. Mahima Khatun traveled from Dhaka to Kalaroa with the intention of marrying Rubina Khatun. Upon learning of their plans, a crowd gathered in Brajbaksa village, prompting the intervention of law enforcement, leading to the subsequent arrest and send them to the jail custody on January 4, 2024.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh and a prominent Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights activist, vehemently demands the immediate and unconditional release of the detained individuals, along with the withdrawal of all charges against them. He underscores the importance of respecting individuals' personal lives and calls for an end to police and judicial interference in such matters.
JMBF asserts that the arrest of the two lesbian girls represents a blatant form of discrimination against sexual minorities, constituting a clear violation of constitutional and fundamental human rights as recognized by the United Nations. This incident, unfortunately, reflects a broader pattern of human rights abuses against sexual minorities in Bangladesh, including discrimination, violence, and baseless accusations.
Furthermore, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France advocates for the constitutional recognition of homosexuals and LGBT people in Bangladesh. It demands the repeal of Section 377 of the Penal Code and the enactment of laws to safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.
This arrest serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice faced by sexual minorities. JMBF stands in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, equality, and human rights for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Best Regards,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: saikotbihr@gmail.com
Blog: www.shahanur.blogspot.com
Cell/WhatsApp/Signal: +33(0)7 839523 15
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