LGBT rights in Bangladesh
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Bangladesh face widespread social and legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ people. Homosexuality is illegal under Bangladeshi law, which is inherited from the colonial British Indian government's Section 377 of 1860. According to the law, the punishment for engaging in same-sex sexual activities is imprisonment.
LGBT rights in Bangladesh | |
|---|---|
| Status | Illegal since 1862 under Section 377 of the Bangladeshi Penal Code |
| Penalty | Imprisonment for same-sex sexual activity. |
| Gender identity | Third gender recognized; transgender persons permitted to officially register their identity as this gender |
| Discrimination protections | No |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Adoption | No |
In 2014, hijras gained official third gender recognition codified by the Cabinet of Bangladesh, with voter lists offering third gender options and hijra candidates running for government positions.
Homosexuality is widely disapproved in Bangladesh with no legal protections against discrimination. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identifying individuals frequently report harassment, discrimination, abuse, and violence for their gender identity and sexual orientation. While hijras are generally more accepted and have historically held culturally important roles, they also face severe discrimination and unequal access to various social services like housing and health care.