Gay group in naogaon, bangladesh

We spread information about human rights through newsletters, leaflets, posters, stickers and handbills. BoB is a non-registered, non-funded and informal organization run by a pull of dedicated volunteers. We stage public events such as human chains, rallies and roundtable meetings to share views with professionals and the authorities.

However, there are still plenty of things to see and do that do not involve expressing your sexual orientation. This often manifests as legal restrictions, a delegitimising narrative and harassment. Civil society often finds itself unable to speak freely due to continuous pressure and harassment from the government.

Additionally, we have seen instances of government scrutiny and heightened restrictions on CSOs, especially those involved in politically sensitive activities or that criticise government policies. Rongin Desh is a positive and safe space for queer people in Bangladesh to share their experiences.

Boys of Bangladesh is the oldest and the largest network of self-identified Bangladeshi gay men from home and abroad. We offer legal counselling to victims of human rights violations and empower them with legal knowledge, informing them about laws interest litigation to address the needs of people who lack access to justice due to economic challenges and lack of legal knowledge.

On top of government regulations on registration and reporting, the Foreign Donations Voluntary Activities Regulation Ordinance, the Digital Security Act and other laws have been used to limit the activities and funding of CSOs. How does JusticeMakers work to defend human rights?

JMBD engages in a comprehensive range of activities aimed at promoting human rights, advocating for justice and providing support to victims of human rights abuses. As a new visitor to Gay Dhaka, it’s important to be aware that being queer is illegal in this city and country, and any same-sex activity should be avoided to ensure your safety.

However, CSOs involved in human rights advocacy, governance and issues related to democracy, the rule of law and transparency encounter challenges and friction with the government. It provides legal support to victims and advocates for justice and human rights through research, awareness-raising campaigns and collaboration with various stakeholders, including other civil society groups, government agencies and international organisations.

21 talking about this. Boys of Bangladesh, popularly abbreviated BoB, formerly known as Boys Only Bangladesh, is the oldest running and the largest network of self-identified Bangladeshi gay men living in the country and abroad. We also conduct research to monitor the human rights situation, maintain a documentation centre and publish reports, research papers and books.

The information gathered is used to prepare impartial reports that are shared with the authorities and also to issue urgent appeals on both the national and international levels. Civil society organisations CSOs must obtain registration and approval from government authorities to operate legally.

We carry out fact-finding investigations to verify allegations of human rights abuses. Equaldex is a collaborative knowledge base for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) movement, visualizing LGBTQ+ rights through maps, timelines, and data. The regulatory framework is restrictive.

We provide direct legal aid to victims, including to secure the release of people from custody and file cases against perpetrators, particularly against law enforcement agencies. Civil society in Bangladesh has historically played significant roles in advocating for social, political and human rights issues.

In some areas there is collaboration, with CSOs and the government working together on development projects and social initiatives on issues such as disaster relief, education, healthcare and poverty alleviation. JMBD is a human rights organisation working against all forms of discrimination and impunity for violence against ethnic, religious, social and sexual minorities and victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearance and organised violence, including women and children.

The government has also imposed limits and increased oversight of funds received from international sources. Boys of Bangladesh (BoB), is the largest network of self-identified Bangladeshi gay men. However, recent years have brought about numerous challenges and restrictions.

Just Another Bangladeshi (JAB) has interviewed Mr. Xulhaz Mamun, one of well known Human Rights Activities, an employee of the USA embassy, and founder of “Rupban” the only LGBTQ lifestyle magazine in Bangladesh to gather ground-level scenario of sexual freedom in Bangladesh.

CIVICUS speaks about the state of civic space and the rights of excluded groups in Bangladesh with Shahanur Islam, founder secretary general of JusticeMakers Bangladesh JMBD and founder president of JMBD in France. We engage in advocacy, calling for the ratification of international covenants and protocols and the removal of reservations to them.

What are the conditions for civil society in Bangladesh?