Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury, a 38-year-old gay man from Bangladesh, has faced repeated rejections in his bid for asylum in the UK after fleeing his homeland to escape persecution due to his sexuality.
Chowdhury, who arrived in Britain as a student in 2009, has spent years providing evidence and defending his case. However, in 2018, a judge refused his application, claiming that Monsur was "trying to pass himself off as gay," despite his attendance at LGBTQ+ events, Pride, and other forms of documentation.
Bangladesh criminalises same-sex relations under Section 377 of its Penal Code, and being openly gay there can lead to harassment, arrest, or even death. Monsur has expressed deep fear of returning to his home country, where he says his life would be in danger due to his public visibility as a gay man, especially through social media.
Despite providing extensive evidence of his sexual orientation—including witness testimonies, LGBTQ+ group membership, social media posts, and medical records—the Home Office and courts have continued to reject his claim.
Monsur’s case highlights a broader issue within the UK asylum system, where LGBTQ+ applicants often face disbelief and intrusive questioning. This "culture of disbelief" can result in the rejection of claims on the grounds of insufficient "proof" of sexual orientation, despite clear evidence of persecution in their home countries.
Monsur's future remains uncertain as he waits for the outcome of his appeal. If unsuccessful, he may face deportation to Bangladesh, where LGBTQ+ individuals face severe legal and social repercussions.
Source:
The Metro
