Bangladesh transgender leader allegedly killed by extremists, community says

CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh

A transgender community leader known as Mousumi was allegedly killed by extremists inside her home in Bangladesh’s southeastern city of Chattogram on Saturday, transgender community members said, amid growing fears of violence against the marginalised group.

Mousumi, a guru ma — a senior figure in the local transgender community — was found dead at about 10 a.m. inside her home in Masud Colony, near the railway line in the city’s Ambagan area, members of the community said.

Witnesses said her body bore a thin mark around the neck, while blood was visible around her mouth and her tongue was protruding. Community members also said they saw injuries to her neck and chest.

Khulshi police chief Abdur Rahim said officers were investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

“We are investigating who killed a member of the transgender community,” he said.

Police sent the body to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Pakhi, a member of the transgender community who entered Mousumi’s room, said the scene immediately raised alarm.

“Around 10 a.m., I entered the room and saw blood coming from her mouth. Her tongue was sticking out,” Pakhi said. “We called the people around us and then informed the police.”

Mousumi’s death prompted grief and anger among transgender people in the neighbourhood, many of whom described her as a respected community leader who routinely helped people in distress.

A community member who requested anonymity alleged that Mousumi was “brutally killed by extremists” after attackers entered her home.

“Mousumi was very popular in the area. Whenever anyone was in trouble, she would come forward to help,” the person said. “We cannot understand who could have been her enemy. We want justice for our loved one.”

The person added: “We believe transgender people are increasingly being targeted by extremists and hostile elements. We are afraid. We want justice for our loved one.”

Another community member said the killing had shattered a sense of security among transgender residents.

“Our people are already facing discrimination, harassment and violence. Now we are afraid even inside our own homes,” the person said. “If Mousumi was deliberately targeted, the killers must be identified and punished.”

Her death has brought back memories of the brutal killing of Shila, a transgender activist in Rangamati, in February 2025.

The transgender community has also been shaken by a separate incident in Narsingdi on 24 May 2026, when two transgender people were reportedly stabbed. One died and another was injured.

A transgender community member said the situation had become more difficult since the fall of the government led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

“There is a breakdown in law and order in Bangladesh, and we are frightened. We need protection, not sympathy after someone is killed,” the community member said.