Rights group condemns 'murder' of transgender woman in Tangail

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a rights group

Dhaka, Oct 18 - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the recent murder of Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman.

The brutal killing occurred on October 12 in Tangail, the France-based group said in a statement received here on Friday.

Ayub Ali’s body, bearing signs of violence, was discovered the next morning in an abandoned house near the new bus stand area of Tangail.

According to police, her body was found with a cloth tightly wrapped around her neck, suggesting she may have been strangled after a struggle. A murder case has been filed, and investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Robert Simon, French LGBT rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, expressed his outrage, stating that the murder is not only an attack on Ayub Ali but highlights the persistent danger faced by transgender people in Bangladesh and globally.

“This crime reflects the deep-rooted discrimination and violence that the transgender community continues to endure,” he said.

Simon also emphasizesed that “Ayub Ali’s determination to overcome adversity exemplifies the urgent need for social change, asserting that “no one should face such a fate simply for living their truth.”

Originally from Bhavanipur Patuli in Tangail Sadar Upazila, Ayub Ali faced social rejection and limited job opportunities due to her gender identity. Like many in her community, she initially earned a living by collecting money in markets and on public transportation.

Seeking a more dignified means of livelihood, Ayub Ali started a small cloth business, selling fabrics in rural areas and participating in festival sales during Eid and Puja. She was also an active performer, joining dance groups and acting in traditional “Yatrapala” performances, where she took on female roles.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France, condemned the murder as a violation of Ayub Ali’s fundamental right to live with dignity and safety.

He urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure swift justice and address the systemic violence against the transgender community.

“We stand in solidarity with Ayub Ali’s family and the transgender community in Bangladesh. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the government must take concrete steps to protect the rights and lives of marginalized communities,” Islam said.

In its statement, JMBF called on the Bangladeshi government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and take immediate steps to improve the safety and protection of transgender individuals.

The organization stressed that Ayub Ali’s life story is a painful reminder of the prejudice and violence transgender individuals continue to face, but her resilience and pursuit of a better life remain an inspiration.

JMBF reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights, stating it will continue to work toward a world where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can live free from fear and violence.-UNB