CGS denies government pressure over Ho Chi Minh's exclusion, cites security threats

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) has denied facing government pressure to exclude transfeminist Ho Chi Minh Islam from the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026, saying its president, Zillur Rahman, personally advised her against attending because of threats to her safety.

In a statement issued following allegations of discrimination and capitulation to online intimidation, CGS said an organised campaign of hostility and threats against Ho Chi Minh, the transgender community and the organisation had raised serious security concerns ahead of the international conference.

"There was no instruction, request or pressure from the government or any government authority to exclude her," CGS said.

The organisation acknowledged that Zillur had contacted Ho Chi Minh shortly before the event and advised her not to attend.

"This was a difficult decision made in response to serious security concerns, not because of her identity, views or advocacy," the statement said.

The explanation comes after Ho Chi Minh accused the organisers of yielding to online pressure, removing her name and photograph from conference materials and effectively denying her a platform at the gathering.

Ho Chi Minh had been scheduled to participate in a session titled "Governing Diverse Societies" at the conference, held from October 3 to 5 at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

The controversy intensified after National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam publicly criticised the inclusion of transgender activists at the event.

CGS said the campaign of intimidation, coupled with growing concerns about mob pressure in Bangladesh, had threatened both participants' safety and the peaceful conduct of a gathering attended by international guests.

"CGS firmly rejects the idea that intimidation or mob pressure should determine who can participate in public discourse," the statement said.

"Equally, we cannot disregard genuine threats to the safety of those we invite."

The organisation also defended its decision to remove Islam's name and photograph from conference materials, describing it as a routine administrative change following her withdrawal from the programme.

"It was neither personal nor discriminatory," CGS said.

Ho Chi Minh alleges pressure, secrecy and exclusion

The latest CGS statement follows a series of allegations by Ho Chi Minh, who said she had been asked not only to stay away from the conference but also to keep the decision confidential.

"He told me not to attend the conference. He asked me not to tell anyone — not even members of my own community,” Ho Chi Minh said, referring to her conversation with Zillur.

She also alleged that she had been told her name appeared on a list of people barred by the Special Security Force (SSF), although she said the claim was not substantiated.

CGS's latest statement did not specifically address that allegation, instead denying any instruction, request or pressure from government authorities.

Ho Chi Minh questioned whether the organisers had surrendered to threats rather than confronting those responsible for intimidation.

"Who gave in to the online mob's pressure?" she asked.

"The exclusion of transgender people in Bangladesh is brutal," she said.

"From classrooms and workplaces to public platforms, we are repeatedly denied space, dignity and opportunity."

Ho Chi Minh also criticised the removal of her name and image from conference publicity, saying the decision reflected a wider pattern of exclusion.

"Even our voices are removed in the name of our safety, while intimidation goes unanswered," she said.

"We deserve protection, equal rights and the freedom to participate. Bangladesh belongs to us too."

The dispute followed a social media post by Sarjis Alam, who criticised the proposed participation of transgender activists and claimed that Zubaida Rahman would share a stage with them.

Sarjis described transgender identity as a "disease" and called for treatment and rehabilitation. He also accused Zillur of promoting homosexuality for financial gain.

Those allegations were not substantiated, while the claim about Zubaida sharing a stage with transgender activists was subsequently found to be false.

The backlash was followed by the removal of Ho Chi Minh's name and photograph from the conference programme.

CGS acknowledged the impact of its decision on Ho Chi Minh.

"We recognize that the outcome was disappointing and may have caused understandable hurt," it said.

CGS said it remained committed to transgender rights and was open to further dialogue with Islam and her community.

"No one should be excluded because of who they are. No one should be endangered simply to demonstrate a principle," the statement concluded.

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