Bangladesh IDAHO Report 2013

Activists in Bangladesh, from different groups, held a series of events to mark IDAHO, for the 6th year running. This year’s commemorations featured high profile media coverage from Bangla Vision – one of the country’s leading television channels. Activists also organised a musical concert featuring various artists from around the country, launched a poster campaign and held workshops.

Bangladesh’s leading national TV channel, Bangla Vision, hosts talk show for IDAHO

As a part of their media campaign the Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) organized a talk show with Bangla Vision – one of the pioneering and leading TV Channel of the country. Organisers advised that this “shows great commitment toward the people specially the SOGI Population with huge circulation. The campaign launched to coincide with IDAHO on aired in two episodes consequently on 16 and 17 May, 2013. Chairman of Bangladesh Law Commission Mr. Shah Alam, Additional Sectary of Ministry of Health and family Welfare of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mr. AN Bodruddoja, Professor of Clinical Psychology of University of Dhaka Dr. Mahtab Khanam and Executive Director of BSWS Mr. Shale Ahmed explicitly speak on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity, Stigma, Discrimination, HIV/AIDS and present country context.”

‘Awareness through Entertainment’ Concert for May 17

A musical concert jointly organized by BSWS and Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) also marked the Day’s commemorations.

Event flyer from BoB on facebook; Source.

Activists from BoB advised, in events listings on facebook “For the 6th year in a row, BoB will be celebrating International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO-T) on May 17. This time we have paired up with artist Nirjher Chowdhury and Seth Pandu Blumberg for an evening of music, fun and solidarity. IDAHO-T aims to raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work…Nirjher Chowdhury has already gained a reputation for his signature rendition of Rabindra Sangeet and fusion work in the Bangla music scenario. With a number of albums (solo and mixed) released, he is one of the few young artists who have also directed music for a number of theatre plays, telefilms and dramas. Lately he has been applauded for his extraordinary work with Shadhona’s mega production Mayar Khela.

Seth Pandu Blumberg is an american blues musician, theorist and an amazing storyteller who narrates the tales with passion. He takes the audience on a journey with him where he recounts the tales of the Blues. Having performed with popular artists such as Ike Turner, Ravi Shankar,BB King, Solomon Burke, Anushka Shankar and so on, Pandu is an amazing personality to meet up close for both musicians and enthusiasts alike. So come join us for not only a musical treat but also for endorsing people’s Right to Love!”

Held at Kozmo Lounge, Banani, leading artists of the country not only performed but also endorsed the cause in the process. About 150 participants attended the ‘Awareness through Entertainment’ themed concert.

Nirjher Chowdhury and his fusion band Dharok performing in May 17 concert; Source.