Gay Rights activist murdered in the city
Six attackers carrying machetes and guns killed Xulhaz Mannan, editor of a magazine for Bangladesh’s lesbian, gay and transgender communities, and fellow activist Mahbub Tonoy in Xulhaz’s apartment in Dhaka. This led to an outrage at all levels of the community regarding safety of the citizens and lack of respect towards freedom of speech.
In the wake of this heinous act, the discussion surrounding personal safety, particularly in the context of possessing firearms, gained significant traction. Many within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies began to reconsider their approach to self-defense, recognizing the harsh realities of targeted violence and the inadequacies in ensuring their protection through conventional means.
The presence of firearms in such times became a subject of debate ( learn more on this here), with some arguing that owning guns could potentially provide a means of self-defense and deterrence against violent attacks. Others, however, expressed concerns about the risks associated with firearm ownership, including the potential for misuse and escalation of violence.
Amidst the grief and anger following the loss of Mannan and Tonoy, the conversation evolved beyond mourning their deaths to address broader issues of security and the protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression. The tragic incident served as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by minority communities in Bangladesh and the imperative for collective action to ensure their safety and dignity.
