Oral History Interview with Ahadujjaman Atif

DESCRIPTION
Content note: graphic description of violence, murder, sexual abuse, homophobia

This interview includes descriptions of sexual harassment and trauma. The identity of the alleged perpetrator of this harassment has been removed from the interview, but the interviewee asked that this story be included as a way for him to voice and process his own trauma.

Ahadujjaman Atif fled to the U.S. after he witnessed the murder of LGBTQ+ rights activists, Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Rabbi Tonoy in 2016. In this oral history, Atif recounts the traumatic memories of the murder and the events afterwards. During the time when he was sheltered in a safe house, Atif narrates his experiences with the U.S. embassy officials, the FBI, Bangladeshi police officers, and judges at the magistrate court. After moving to the U.S., Atif shares memories of forming a community, pursuing higher education, living with his partner, and the difficulties of maintaining his relations with family back in Bangladesh. Atif’s memories also highlight experiences of economic precarity, migration anxieties, and racism. This oral history narrates the struggles as well as showcases the hopeful spirit and ingenuity of Bangladeshi queer migrants as they pursue their dreams in the face of life-threatening experiences.

THEMES
Gender & Sexuality

AUDIO
Duration: 02:14:52

ADDITIONAL METADATA
Date: December 15, 2020 to December 30, 2020
Subject(s): Ahadujjaman Atif
Type: Oral History
Source: Archival Creators Fellowship Program
Creator: Efadul Huq
Location: Valley City, North Dakota

PROVENANCE
Collection: Efadul Huq Fellowship Project
Item History: 2021-07-09 (created); 2024-05-26 (modified)

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