Musfika Laiju
Bangladesh has long been recognized as a country striving for development and progress in various sectors, including women’s empowerment and gender equality. However, an alarming reality persists for Feminist, progressive, secular women, and those from diverse sexual orientations, such as transgender women. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination, these groups face multifaceted challenges that threaten their safety and rights.
Slowly Growing Intolerance towards Feminist Voices; Feminists in Bangladesh have been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms. Their activism has paved the way for significant milestones, such as the enactment of laws addressing violence against women and the inclusion of women in decision-making processes. However, these achievements have not come without backlash.
Online and offline harassment has become a daily reality for feminist voices. Social media platforms, while serving as spaces for activism, have also turned into arenas for targeted abuse. Feminists are frequently subjected to trolling, threats, and character assassination. This hostility is often fueled by extremist ideologies that view feminist advocacy as an attack on traditional values. The lack of robust mechanisms to counter cyber harassment exacerbates the problem, leaving many feminists vulnerable.
Progressive Women in the Crosshairs,who align with progressive ideologies—those advocating for human rights, democracy, and secularism—are also under threat. Bangladesh’s political landscape has seen a rise in polarization, where progressive voices are often labeled as “anti-state” or “anti-religion.” This stigmatization not only ostracizes them but also makes them targets of physical and verbal attacks.
Progressive women journalists, writers, and activists are particularly at risk. Many have reported receiving death threats and facing surveillance for their work. The state’s inability or unwillingness to protect them further emboldens perpetrators, creating an environment where dissenting voices are silenced through fear and intimidation.
Secular Women Facing Increased Persecution asSecularism, one of the fundamental principles of Bangladesh’s constitution, has been increasingly undermined in recent years. Women advocating for secular values—such as the separation of religion from state affairs and the promotion of pluralism—find themselves in a precarious position. Extremist groups have targeted secular activists and intellectuals, branding them as “apostates” or “enemies of Islam.”
The murder of secular bloggers and activists in the past serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by this group. Women who uphold secular values are doubly marginalized—not only are they targeted for their beliefs, but they also encounter gender-based discrimination that undermines their safety and freedom.
Plight of Transgender Womenin Bangladesh, such as transgender women (hijras) occupy a unique yet marginalized space in society. Recognized as a third gender by the government in 2013, they still face significant barriers to social inclusion and safety. Transgender women are frequently subjected to discrimination, violence, and social ostracism. Their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities remains severely limited.
Moreover, the intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation adds another layer of vulnerability. Transgender women who openly identify as LGBTQ+ often experience heightened levels of stigma and violence. Police brutality, family rejection, and societal exclusion are commonplace, leaving many transgender women with little recourse for justice.
The rise of cultural and religious conservatism in Bangladesh has played a significant role in the shrinking space for feminist, progressive, secular, and diverse sexual women. Patriarchal interpretations of religion are often used to justify the subjugation of women and the persecution of marginalized groups. This environment fosters intolerance and hostility, making it increasingly difficult for these women to exercise their rights and freedoms.
Educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces are not immune to this trend. Women who challenge conservative norms often face backlash, including expulsion from educational institutions, job terminations, and public shaming. The lack of institutional support further exacerbates their vulnerability.
Legal and Institutional Gaps ofBangladesh has made progress in enacting laws to protect women and marginalized groups, significant gaps remain. Laws addressing sexual harassment, domestic violence, and gender-based violence are often poorly implemented. For instance, the absence of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation leaves women from diverse sexual orientations without adequate legal protection.
Transgender women, despite being recognized as a third gender, face numerous bureaucratic hurdles in accessing basic rights such as voting, property ownership, and healthcare. The legal system often fails to address cases of violence and discrimination against them, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
The safety and rights of feminist, progressive, secular, and diverse sexual women in Bangladesh cannot be addressed in isolation. Intersectional advocacy is crucial to tackling the overlapping forms of discrimination and violence they face. Collaboration between feminist groups, human rights organizations, and LGBTQ+ activists can help create a unified front to demand systemic change.That Need to Intersectional and international Advocacy.
Recently, a disturbing trend has emerged in various areas of Bangladesh, where groups of religious individuals have publicly announced through microphones that women are prohibited from visiting markets or shopping malls. These pronouncements, rooted in extreme interpretations of religious norms, are blatant attempts to control women’s autonomy and restrict their freedom of movement and other more.
What is particularly alarming is the lack of response from the Government administration. Despite these announcements violating constitutional rights and existing laws that ensure equal rights for women, authorities have not taken any meaningful action to counter this alarming development. This inaction not only emboldens those imposing such restrictions but also undermines the progress Bangladesh has made in advancing gender equality.
Such incidents highlight the growing influence of extremist ideologies and the systemic barriers preventing women from fully participating in public life. The silence of the administration sends a dangerous message—that discriminatory practices can be imposed without consequence, further endangering the safety and freedoms of women in the country.
At present, Bangladesh is navigating a sensitive period under an interim government that has started to implement Islamic rules and orders more strictly. This shift has intensified fears among women, particularly feminist, progressive, secular, and diverse sexual women. Many worry that the adoption of more conservative policies could further curtail their freedoms, restrict their rights, and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.
The enforcement of religiously framed regulations has begun to affect daily life, from the dress codes imposed on women in public spaces to limitations on freedom of expression. Feminist activists, who challenge patriarchal and religious conservatism, face increased hostility and threats under these circumstances. Secular women advocating for the separation of religion from state affairs are particularly at risk, with accusations of being “anti-Islamic” or “immoral” commonly weaponized against them.
This environment not only heightens the fear of social and institutional backlash but also deepens the systemic barriers that prevent marginalized groups from seeking justice or protection. The intersection of gender, ideology, and governance creates an alarming reality for many women in Bangladesh today.
Overcome these issues, a multifaceted approach is required; the legal framework must be reinforced to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, are protected under the law. Comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation should be enacted, explicitly addressing sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, existing laws on gender-based violence and harassment must be implemented rigorously to create a deterrent against such crimes.
Education and awareness are pivotal in challenging societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and violence. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to dismantle patriarchal attitudes and foster acceptance of diverse identities. Incorporating gender and sexuality education into school curricula can play a transformative role in shaping inclusive mindsets from an early age.
Institutions must be equipped to support victims of violence and discrimination effectively. Establishing dedicated support centers for survivors can provide them with access to legal aid, counseling, and rehabilitation. Training law enforcement officials to handle cases involving marginalized groups with sensitivity and impartiality is equally crucial to ensure justice is served.
Safe spaces are essential for marginalized women to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. Community-based initiatives should be supported to empower women economically and socially. These initiatives can provide resources and opportunities for marginalized groups to rebuild their lives in a supportive environment. Policy reform must prioritize the rights and safety of marginalized women. Policymakers should engage with activists and community leaders to understand the challenges faced by these groups. Including marginalized voices in decision-making processes ensures that policies are inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives.
In Bangladesh presents significant challenges for feminist, progressive, secular, and diverse sexual women. Their safety and rights are under constant threat from societal, institutional, and structural forces. However, their resilience and unwavering commitment to justice and equality serve as a beacon of hope. By addressing the root causes of discrimination and fostering an environment of inclusion, Bangladesh can pave the way for a society where every woman regardless of her beliefs, ideologies, or identity can live with dignity and freedom.
Musfika Laiju, Human Right Activist. Bangladesh.