The banned group Ansar-al Islam, the Bangladeshi branch of al-Qaida, has claimed responsibility for the killings that took place in the capital of Dhaka. The group said the two were killed because they were “pioneers of practicing and promoting homosexuality in Bangladesh” and were “working day and night to promote homosexuality.”
The other victim, Tanay Mojumdar, also worked at Roopbaan.
National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price said in a release, “The U.S. Government deplores the brutal murders this evening in Dhaka, Bangladesh that took the life of Xulhaz Mannan. An employee of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Mr. Mannan served the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka with distinction, and he worked on behalf of his fellow Bangladeshis as a voice for justice, equality, and human rights for all.
“Mr. Mannan set an example of dignity, courage and selflessness, and his legacy will live on in the causes he championed. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Mannan’s loved ones as they mourn his loss, and we strongly urge the Government of Bangladesh to ensure that the perpetrators of this senseless crime are brought to justice.”
GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie said, in a statement, “GMHC is saddened and horrified by the killing of a leading gay rights activist and editor at Bangladesh’s only LGBT magazine, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends. These senseless acts of violence reminds us how critical it is for our political leaders to be dedicated to advancing social justice and equal rights for all people, and we will continue our fight to end stigma surrounding the LGBT community in the wake of this tragedy.”
See article on BBC here: www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36128729.