Bangladesh Holds Meetings on Upholding Human Rights for MSM

From the Daily Star

'Change mindset to ensure rights of MSM people in society'

Staff Correspondent

Speakers at a meeting yesterday underscored the need for changing the mindset towards MSM (male having sex with male) people to ensure their rights in the society.

They said although the constitution ensures basic human rights of all, this group is the most neglected and marginalised one in the society.

The speakers also called upon all stakeholders including different policy makers, NGOs and media workers to work together for mainstreaming them in the society.

The meeting titled 'Upholding human rights of MSM: Sharing experience and lesson learned for future direction' was organised by Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) in collaboration with Manusher Jonno Foundation at Brac Centre Inn in the city.

Presenting a slideshow titled '377, MSM and Human Rights in Bangladesh', Barrister Sara Hossain said the law enforcement agencies generally prefer to avoid family feuds, but in the case of MSM people they interfere and harass them using the section 377 of the Penal Code.

She said the section has become an instrument of harassment for people, especially for the MSM people.

Dr Shariful Islam Khan Bobby of ICDDR,B said the MSM people suffer from psycho-sexual and psycho-biological problems including low self- esteem and identity crisis.

He said there are some obstacles to work with MSM people due to poor coordination among the policymakers, donors and NGOs.

"We have to sensitise media and build awareness among the lawyers regarding the MSM issue," he said, adding that media can play an immense role in this regard.

Rina Roy, director (rights) of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said MSM is a marginalised group of people who are denied of their human rights.

"We want a society where all people can live with equal rights and opportunities, and we have to build up that society," she added.

Saleh Ahmed, executive director of BSWS, spoke about the projects that they are carrying out in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Mymensingh for protecting the human rights of MSM people.

Dr Robert Kelly, country director of FHI, Anisul Islam Hero, chairperson of BSWS, and Tamanna Rahman, executive member of BSWS, also spoke on the occasion.