Barrister Sumon was detained with his hands tied behind his back and handcuffed, a flagrant violation of his fundamental rights. This action not only humiliated him but also grossly disregarded his dignity as a lawyer and human rights defender. Furthermore, following the court proceedings, Barrister Sumon’s legal representative, Advocate Morshed Hossain Shaheen, faced a physical assault from an opposing lawyer, who slapped him on the head while he was briefing the media outside the courtroom. Such an attack on a lawyer performing his professional duties is intolerable and stands in direct violation of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which ensures that lawyers can carry out their functions without intimidation, harassment, or interference.
Robert Simon, prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, "The actions taken against Barrister Sumon and his lawyer not only violate fundamental human rights but also pose a severe threat to the independence of the legal profession and the integrity of Bangladesh’s justice system. We call upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and global human rights organizations, to recognize the severity of this situation and to hold the Bangladeshi government accountable for its breaches of national and international obligations."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, added, “The manner in which Barrister Sumon was apprehended—with his hands tied behind his back and handcuffed as he was brought before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s court in Dhaka—constitutes a clear violation of his fundamental rights and the dignity owed to every individual, as per the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Bangladesh is a party.”
The arbitrary arrest of Barrister Sumon, known for his outspoken criticism of the Awami government’s corruption and abuse of power, raises serious concerns about political persecution and the misuse of the legal system as a tool to silence dissenting voices. The charges against him, involving allegations of murder and attempted murder, appear to be fabricated and part of a concerted effort to suppress his relentless pursuit of justice and accountability in Bangladesh.
This treatment of Barrister Sumon contravenes not only the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) but also violates key provisions under Bangladesh’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and protection against arbitrary detention. Furthermore, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Bangladesh is a signatory, explicitly prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention.
JMBF demands the immediate release of Barrister Syed Syedul Haque Sumon and calls for an independent investigation into the assault on his legal counsel. The physical attack on Advocate Shaheen outside the court represents a serious threat to the entire legal profession, and such actions must not go unpunished. We urge the Bangladeshi authorities to respect the rule of law, ensure the safety and protection of legal professionals, and refrain from using the judicial system to target and intimidate human rights defenders.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with Barrister Sumon and all individuals who face persecution for their fight for justice and human rights in Bangladesh. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to advocate for their freedom and for the upholding of the rule of law.
Thank you,
Brief Incident:
Background: Former Member of Parliament, human rights activist, and lawyer Barrister Syed Syedul Haque Sumon was arrested by the police on October 22, 2024, around 1:30 am from the Mirpur-6 area of Dhaka. He faces charges in two cases, including murder and attempted murder, connected to the anti-discrimination student movement. These cases were filed at the Mirpur and Adabar police stations, resulting in his arrest.
Court Proceedings: On the morning of October 22, Barrister Sumon, with his hands tied behind his back and handcuffed, was brought before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s court in Dhaka. During the proceedings, Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Abdul Halim of Mirpur Model Police Station sought a 10-day remand, but Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Zakir Hussain granted a 5-day remand.
Political Context: Barrister Sumon has been a strong critic of the Awami government, frequently condemning issues like bribery, corruption, irregularities, nepotism, and human rights abuses. He ran as an independent candidate in the last parliamentary elections and was known for his outspoken criticism of government ministers and members of parliament.
Charges Against Him: The charges against him are related to a shooting incident on July 19, during the anti-discrimination student movement, in which Hriday, a senior vice-president of Madhavpur No. 10 Hatiain Union Jubo Dal of Habiganj, was injured while attending Friday prayers in the Mirpur-10 area. Hriday subsequently filed an attempted murder case at the Mirpur Model Police Station on September 23, naming Barrister Sumon as the third accused.
Incident of Assault: After the court hearing, Advocate Morshed Hossain Shaheen, Barrister Sumon's lawyer, faced a physical attack when an opposing lawyer slapped him on the head while he was briefing the media. This incident highlights the deteriorating respect for the rights and safety of legal professionals in Bangladesh.
JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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