Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Bangladesh

Do domestic laws and policies protect forcibly displaced and stateless persons from harm and discrimination on the basis of their ethnic, religious, political, sexual or gender identity or orientation?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

There are no domestic laws or policies in place in Bangladesh that specifically refer to refugees in this regard.

The Constitution of Bangladesh categorically guarantees citizens fundamental rights and civil liberties. Different articles in part III of the Constitution prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, sex, and caste. There are also clearly delineated principles guaranteeing freedom of expression, personal liberty, freedom of movement and assembly. Moreover, Article 23A of the Constitution says the "State shall take steps to protect and develop the unique local culture and tradition of the tribes, minor races, ethnic sects and communities.”

While Bangladesh, in 2013, recognized the third gender (commonly known as Hijras or transgender), regarding other sexual orientation/ gender identities (such as, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and others), there is a culture of denial of the existence of same sex sexualities in Bangladesh. Moreover, Section 377 of the Penal Code of Bangladesh criminalizes same-sex sexual relationships. 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
    • Year: 1972
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
    • Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1972/en/101782

    Legal provision

    Article 23 - National culture

    The State shall adopt measures to conserve the cultural traditions and heritage of the people, and so to foster and improve the national language, literature and the arts that all sections of the people are afforded the opportunity to contribute towards and to participate in the enrichment of the national culture.

    The Penal Code

    Legal provision

    Section 377: Unnatural offences

    Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 123[imprisonment] for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.Explanation. Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.