Statement against the discriminatory remarks on transgender community by the UK Prime
Minister (Click here for link)
Shongshoptok published a statement regarding the discriminatory statement by the UK Prime Minister
on transgender issues, to advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide.
The statement condemns the Prime Minister's dismissive attitude toward transgender individuals and
highlights the historical context of British colonialism in South Asia, which continues to impact gender
and sexually diverse people in the region. By contextualizing the statements by the UK Prime MInister
within the broader legacy of colonial oppression and discrimination, Shongshoptok draws attention to
the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTIQ+ communities in reclaiming their rights and self-determination.
Additionally, the statement expresses solidarity with transgender individuals in the UK and calls for
international support in opposing regressive measures that threaten the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+
communities globally.
Through its solidarity statement, Shongshoptok contributes to raising awareness and advocating for the
rights of transgender individuals, both in the UK and around the world.
4. Publishing articles critiquing the government actions restricting the work of
human rights defenders
Ruling the Digital Closet: LGBTI Activism in the Shadow of Bangladesh's Digital Blasphemy Laws
(Click here for link)
This article published in May, 2023 examines the obstacles confronting LGBTIQ+ activists in Bangladesh
due to stringent digital blasphemy laws. It outlines how these laws constrain freedom of expression,
especially online activism within the LGBTIQ+ community. The piece delves into activists' struggles in
navigating these constraints and emphasizes the criticality of adopting digital security measures.
Moreover, it contextualizes these challenges within the broader socio-political landscape, illustrating the
ramifications of these laws on LGBTIQ+ rights and advocacy efforts in Bangladesh.
In the Shadows of Self-Censorship: The Impact of CyberSecurity Act on Bangladesh’s LGBTQI+
Movement (Click here for link)
The article, crafted by Shongshoptok in December, 2024, sheds light on the challenges faced by the
LGBTIQ+ community in Bangladesh due to the Cyber Security Act 2023 (CSA). The law has forced
LGBTIQ+ organizations into self-censorship, limiting their online presence and advocacy efforts. The
article discusses how the CSA infringes upon digital human rights, imposes constraints on internet
usage, and leads to fear and censorship within the community. It also highlights the ominous impact of
the law on LGBTIQ+ individuals, including restrictions on advocacy, expression, and identity. Moreover,
the article emphasizes the additional toll the CSA takes on marginalized LGBTIQ+ communities such as
Hijra and Adivasi individuals, who face social, legal, and educational challenges.
Shongshoptok calls for the repeal of laws like the CSA and urges national and international support for
LGBTIQ+ rights in Bangladesh, despite facing obstacles from the government and extremist groups.
5. Contributed to UPR Submission (Third Cycle: 2017 - 2022)
Shongshoptok, in collaboration with Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) and other LGBTIQ+ organizations in
Bangladesh, jointly submitted a report (Click here for the link) to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of
Bangladesh (Third Cycle) during the 44th session in April 2023. As a part of the coalition, Shongshoptok
significantly contributed to the report regarding serious oppression and human rights violations
against the LGBTIQ+ community in Bangladesh.
The report highlights the existence of Section 377 of the Penal Code of Bangladesh, which criminalizes
same-sex relationships, alongside the Digital Security Act of 2018, which further limits freedom of