The LGBTQ+ community exists and is active in Bangladesh. We don’t know the exact percentage of the Bangladeshi population that identifies as LGBTQ+. Globally, it’s estimated to be between 5-10% of the total population.
Almost everyone in Bangladesh knows about this community. Some people choose to ignore it, pretending they know nothing. But I have ample proof to show them otherwise. As a heterosexual person, I find it very difficult to accept this kind of sexual orientation.
Imagine a boy telling another boy, “I’m in love with you,” or a girl telling another girl, “I’m in love with you.” Or someone saying, “I have a boyfriend but I also want a girlfriend!” And then there are those who say, “I’m married but not interested in sex!” That’s what the ‘+’ in LGBTQ+ represents. They don’t fit into traditional norms.
Bangladesh isn’t yet progressive enough to legally recognize same-sex relationships, but the society is tolerant enough to turn a blind eye to the issue despite widespread disapproval. While public discussions about sex are taboo, consensual activities are prevalent in hotels and even among students in hostels.
The term ‘consent’ has gained traction, but its true meaning—beyond simple agreement—is often overlooked. Despite this, a certain degree of sexual freedom exists, especially in hotels. Even in conservative households, love and romantic relationships are becoming more normalized. Parents, having grown up in a more restrictive environment, encourage their children to pursue love, leading to a young generation that is more open about relationships.
Bangladesh has a high rate of extramarital affairs, though there’s a lack of reliable surveys to quantify this. Anecdotal evidence suggests that marital infidelity is common, with individuals leaving their spouses and families. These incidents are widely reported in the media, highlighting the breakdown of traditional family structures.
Is there any specific law in Bangladesh for extramarital affairs? What exists is merely a saying, “As the gourd is, so is the bitter gourd.” People are having extramarital affairs at will, that’s all I see! Those who are still blindfolded will have to open their eyes when their wife/husband runs away. Because it’s important to be fearless in admitting the truth. But people in Bangladesh are indeed very tolerant.
Every girl I’ve spoken to who has been a victim has clearly stated, “Whatever happened, the rape/molestation/bad thing was done by someone in the family or relatives.” Meaning, if you ask about the first bad experience, you’ll get this answer.
Here, we boys are not safe either. After doing something with consent and then breaking up or getting a divorce, it’s like dying. There are laws here that can ruin our entire lives even if the case is false. So, those who have a little sense don’t go near girls. And if they do, they speak in a way that makes it seem like they’re seeing an intelligent girl for the first time.
Even though it’s a hassle for the intelligent ones, for others, it’s become a playground. Can anyone deny the blatant practice of indiscriminate sexuality in the media, corporate, medical, college, university, and even slum worlds of this country? Of course, one must first understand the word ‘obscene’.
We have so many realities before us. In 2024, 3.7% of people per 100,000 are committing suicide, most of whom are failing in love. At what point in the complexities of relationships do we lose so many people every year? But how many psychiatrists do we have who work on our relationships?
But still, some people keep on concocting conspiracy theories one after another. Brother! Let’s come to a resolution with these messy and horrific realities of our present. There have always been so many unresolved issues. Let’s bring them to the table for discussion, maybe we can find some solutions among ourselves. Together, we can be Bangladesh. Now, tell your loved ones about this. Write something.
We have regained freedom of speech, but the way ‘Conspiracy Theory’ is coming up is disrupting our focus. It feels like if there was a Nobel Prize in this category, Bangladesh would surely win one!
