In Bangladesh, a curious paradox exists. Religious piety is loudly professed, yet moral decay lurks beneath the surface. It’s not uncommon to see people flaunting their Islamic identity on social media—quoting the Quran, praising scholars, or sharing Hadiths. Yet many of these same individuals engage in activities starkly opposed to those very teachings—harassment, misogyny, abuse of power, and discrimination. This duplicity raises a serious question: Is religion in our society truly a spiritual path, or has it become a performative tool for social control and moral superiority?
Take, for example, the treatment of women in our country. On one hand, people post Quranic verses about respecting mothers and daughters; on the other, women are routinely harassed, excluded from leadership, and denied autonomy over their bodies. When a woman demands justice after being assaulted, she’s told to be patient and silent—for the sake of “family honor” or “religious values.” These same values, however, are silent when a woman is blamed for her own assault, or when a minor girl is married off to a man three times her age.
This moral inconsistency isn’t limited to gender issues. It extends to how we treat the LGBTQ+ community. In Bangladesh, even mentioning the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals is often met with hostility. Society labels them as sinful or mentally ill. Religious scholars and preachers frequently cite selective verses to condemn homosexuality, without engaging with the full context of the texts or acknowledging the real-life struggles of LGBTQ+ people.
But consider this: if compassion, justice, and dignity are central to Islam—as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself demonstrated through his inclusive and merciful conduct—why is it that LGBTQ+ individuals in Bangladesh must live in fear, shame, and isolation? Why are they denied basic rights to education, employment, healthcare, or even personal safety?
Many argue, “Islam does not permit homosexuality.” Even if one were to accept this view, the question remains: does Islam permit violence, ridicule, or oppression? Does it allow us to strip others of their humanity just because they are different? What happened to the principle of La ikraha fid deen—“There is no compulsion in religion”?
In fact, history reminds us that societies that suppressed diversity have often stagnated in progress. In contrast, nations that embraced inclusivity—like Canada or the Netherlands—have seen greater social harmony, innovation, and human development. Their policies do not necessarily reflect religious beliefs, but they uphold human dignity. Can we not, at the very least, treat people with dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity?
Let me put some light into this with recent hatred and the result of these wrongly practiced faith:
1. Murder of Transgender Woman Ayub Ali (October 2024)
In October 2024, Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman, was brutally murdered in Tangail, Bangladesh. Her body, bearing clear signs of violence, was discovered in an abandoned house. This heinous act underscores the extreme dangers faced by transgender individuals in the country.
2. Suicide of Transgender Individual Saidul Islam Nayan (March 2024)
On March 25, 2024, Saidul Islam Nayan, a 26-year-old transgender person, died by suicide in Brahmanbaria. Family sources indicated that Nayan faced persistent social bullying and discrimination due to their gender identity, contributing to their mental distress.
3. Detention of Lesbian Couples (February–March 2024)
In early 2024, two lesbian couples were detained by local residents in Manikganj and Natore districts for expressing their sexual orientation and intent to marry. Although released without charges, these incidents highlight the pervasive homophobia and lack of legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Bangladesh.
4. Attacks on Hijra Communities (September 2024)
Hijra communities in Sherpur and Dinajpur faced violent attacks in September 2024. Assailants vandalized homes, looted belongings, and physically assaulted community members, forcing many to flee for their lives. These attacks reflect the heightened vulnerability of gender-diverse populations amid political instability.
5. Assault of Transgender Women in Cox’s Bazar (September 2024)
Two transgender women were physically assaulted and publicly humiliated by members of an Islamist group in Cox’s Bazar. The perpetrators recorded the assault and disseminated the video on social media, exacerbating the victims’ trauma and highlighting the dangers of online platforms being used to perpetuate hate.
The hypocrisy deepens when religious slogans are weaponized to justify injustice. Corruption thrives in the name of faith. Politicians invoke God before embezzling public funds. Abusers wrap themselves in religious symbols while denying justice to their victims. The veil of religion is used not as a tool for spiritual enlightenment, but as a smokescreen to conceal personal and political agendas.
This is not a rejection of Islam. On the contrary, it is a call to reclaim the real essence of Islam—justice, compassion, and truth. It is a call to unmask those who distort religion to maintain power. True piety lies not in long beards, loud sermons, or modest clothing, but in standing up for the oppressed, questioning injustice, and building a society where everyone—regardless of gender, sexuality, or faith—feels safe and valued.
Bangladesh must confront this moral crisis. Until we do, religion will continue to be reduced to a cultural costume rather than a guide to ethical living. And those who are most vulnerable—women, minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community—will remain victims of a society that claims to be righteous but acts with cruelty.
It is time we ask ourselves: are we truly religious, or merely hiding behind religion?