Al-Qaeda Claims Responsibility for Murder of Leading Gay Rights Activist Hacked to Death

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Denounces ‘Barbaric Murder’ of USAID Employee and LGBT Editor

A branch of the Islamist extremist terror group Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the gruesome murder of a well-known gay rights activist who was the editor of Bangladesh’s only LGBT publication, Roopbaan. The victim, Xulhaz Mannan (photo, left, with US Ambassador Dan Mozena), was employed by the U.S. government’s Agency for International Development (USAID) in Dhaka, where he had previously worked in the U.S. Embassy as a protocol officer. Also murdered was his friend Tanay Majumder.

Six assailants with machetes and guns “shot and hacked to death” Xulhaz Mannan, 35, and Tanay Majumder in Mannan’s home Monday after forcing their way in, The Wall Street Journal reports. They claimed to be delivering a package. 

The Journal calls it “the latest in a series of attacks on liberal voices that has heightened fears of growing radicalization of fundamentalist Muslims in the South Asian nation.”

Militants armed with machetes have killed at least six secular bloggers and activists in Bangladesh since 2014. Extremist groups have accused the bloggers of ridiculing Islam and promoting homosexuality and promiscuity.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday condemned “the barbaric murder” of Mannan and Majumder. 

“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of one of our own in such a senseless act of violence, and we extend our deepest condolences to Xulhaz’s family and loved ones,” Kerry said in a statement. He called Mannan “a trusted colleague, a beloved friend, and advocate for human rights and dignity in Bangladesh.”

“In many ways, he embodied the spirit of the people of Bangladesh and the pride with which they guard their traditions of tolerance, peace, and diversity,” Secretary Kerry said. 

The Telegraph reports both men “died on the spot from cuts to their heads, according to police,” and note this is “the first time that LGBT activists have been targeted” in Bangladesh.

Homosexuality is illegal in Bangladesh. 

 

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