Documenting Violence and Marginalization: a Comparative Media Analysis of Lgbtqi+ Human Rights in Bangladesh (2022–2024)

Abstract Book of the 4th International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities in the 21st Century

Year: 2025

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Documenting Violence and Marginalization: a Comparative Media Analysis of Lgbtqi+ Human Rights in Bangladesh (2022–2024)

Mohammad Alamgir, Shahanur Islam

ABSTRACT:

This study presents a comparative analysis of violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh through systematic monitoring of Bengali and English online news media from 2022 to 2024. By documenting reported incidents such as murder, physical assault, rape, harassment, and police brutality, the research exposes the persistent and multifaceted nature of violence faced by sexual minorities. Findings indicate a marked increase in both frequency and severity of reported cases during this period, reflecting escalating societal hostility and the absence of effective legal safeguards. The criminalization of same-sex relationships under Section 377 of the Penal Code, combined with deep-seated social stigma, perpetuates marginalization and silences victims. Employing qualitative content analysis, the study examines how media coverage shapes public discourse—highlighting both its potential to advocate for change and its limitations in representing LGBTQI+ voices. The research underscores the urgent need for legislative reform, institutional accountability, and inclusive policymaking to protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals. It calls for coordinated action among government bodies, civil society, and international human rights organizations to foster social acceptance and safeguard fundamental freedoms.

Keywords: Lgbtqi+ Violence, Bangladesh, Human Rights, Media Monitoring, Legal Reform