JMBF Annual State of LGBTQI+ Report in Bangladesh 2026 Under the Interim Government

In 2025, LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh continued to face systemic and multifaceted violence, reflecting entrenched social stigma and gaps in institutional protections. During the reporting period, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) documented 260 distinct incidents affecting 426 individuals nationwide. These incidents reportedly included physical assaults, harassment, blackmail, arbitrary detention, social ostracism, and other forms of discrimination carried out by both state and non-state actors.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2026 Under the Interim Government

Paris, France | 30 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has released its Annual Report 2026: “State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh under the Interim Government (January–December 2025)”, presenting a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals in Bangladesh.

Edited by Advocate Shahanur Islam, a prominent human rights advocate and Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, the report was published in Paris, France, on March 30, 2026.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over the Arrest of 2 Lawyers and Filing of an Anti-Terrorism Case Against 27 Lawyers in Sunamganj

Paris, France | 27 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the arrest of two lawyers, Advocate Monish Kanti Dey (Mintu) and Advocate Mizanur Rahman (Shamim), and the filing of a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 27 lawyers on 26 March, following an incident in Sunamganj where lawyers paid tribute to the martyrs on the occasion of Independence and National Day by placing wreaths at the memorial and chanting patriotic slogans.

JMBF firmly believes that filing a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and arresting lawyers for peacefully paying respect to the martyrs on Independence Day is highly alarming, unjustified, contrary to democratic values, and a clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France and Prison Insider Sign MoU to Strengthen Global Human Rights Collaboration

Paris, France | March 24, 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Prison Insider (PI) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in relation to prison conditions worldwide.

JMBF, a France-based independent, non-profit, and nonpartisan human rights organization, is dedicated to advancing justice and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond. Through its work, the organization focuses on the defense, education, protection, and realization of fundamental human rights, regardless of sex, caste, race, or religion.

JMBF Explores Collaboration with Prison Insider France on Prison Documentation in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 18 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) held a virtual meeting with Prison Insider, France, on 18 March 2026, marking a significant step toward potential collaboration on documenting prison conditions in Bangladesh.

The meeting brought together key representatives from Prison Insider, including Sarah Nouvellon and Sara Blanc Thoumine, both serving as Research and Publication Officers, along with Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF.

JMBF Leadership Bilateral Meeting with Asylum and LGBT Rights Lawyer in Paris

Paris, France | 15 March 2026: Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), along with Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JMBF, held a significant bilateral meeting in Paris with French lawyer Marion Dupourqué, a specialist in asylum law, on March 13, 2026.

The meeting followed a professional outreach by Maître Dupourqué, who was introduced to Advocate Shahanur Islam through Eric de l’Ardhis. In her communication, she expressed her commitment to working with the Bangladeshi LGBT community in France and emphasized the importance of exchanging insights on the current situation faced by asylum seekers.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Immediately and Unconditionally Release Imprisoned Sick, Elderly, and Female Journalists; Ensure Medical Care; and Withdraw Politically Motivated Cases

Paris, France | Date: 12 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the continued detention of several prominent senior journalists in Bangladesh for more than a year without trial in politically motivated cases solely because of their professional work.

JMBF is particularly alarmed that, despite their serious physical and mental health conditions, they are being deprived of adequate medical care while in detention.

CIRCULAR FOR RECRUITMENT: Volunteer Research Assistant (Remote)

Focus Area: Torture, Extrajudicial Killings & Custodial Death in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is inviting applications from passionate and committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer. Research Assistant (Remote). This voluntary position aims to support documentation, research, and advocacy efforts related to torture, extrajudicial killings, and custodial deaths in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)'s Statement on the International Women’s Day 2026

Paris, France | 8 March 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its solidarity with the women and transgender women of Bangladesh who continue to strive for equality, dignity, and justice despite persistent discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers.

While Bangladesh has made notable progress in certain areas of women’s empowerment over the past decades, the overall human rights situation of women and girls remains deeply concerning. Gender-based violence continues to be widespread and pervasive across the country, affecting women and girls in both rural and urban areas. From homes and educational institutions to workplaces and public spaces, women frequently face harassment, abuse, and discrimination. National surveys indicate that a significant proportion of women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of violence during their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms and accountability.