JOINT STATEMENT: Crackdown Against the Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh Under the Interim Government

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France/ Belgium/ Poland/ Egypt/ Thailand/ Kazakhstan/ India; November 5, 2025: The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the National Bar Council (CNB), the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk (OIAD), the Arrested Lawyers Initiative, the Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP), the International Association of People’s Lawyers – Monitoring Committee on Attacks on Lawyers, the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), the Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), the 'NEVER AGAIN' Association, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), the Public Association Dignity, the Programme Against Custodial Torture and Impunity (PACTI), the Solidarité Internationale LGBTQI (SIL) and the Families of the Disappeared (FOD) express grave concern over the contineous politically motivated repression against the independence of the legal community in Bangladesh under the current Interim Government.

Statement by JMBF on the 11th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

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Paris, France; November 02, 2025: Today, on the occasion of the 11th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) solemnly calls on the interim government of Bangladesh, led by the Nobel Laureate for Peace, to immediately halt and reverse the systematic assault on press freedom and the safety of journalists within its jurisdiction.

JMBF expresses grave concern that a relentless crackdown is being mounted on journalists, media workers, and women journalists in particular under the current interim administration in Bangladesh.

Although the current interim government initiated the Media Reform Commission to protect the rights of journalists, the guardians of democratic discourse, state apparatuses are being used to intimidate, harass, prosecute, and silence independent voices.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases 2025 Report on Crackdown Against Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh under the Interim Government

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তি পড়ার জন্য নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” « Faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur “More” pour lire le communiqué de presse complet en français. »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paris, October 30, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), with the technical support of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), today released its groundbreaking report,“JMBF Report 2025: Crackdown Against Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh under the Interim Government (August 2024 – September 2025).” 

Why the World’s Diplomats Stay Silent as Bangladesh Bleeds?

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as head of the country’s interim government in August 2024, millions dared to hope. After years of authoritarian rule and blood-soaked repression, people believed the nightmare was ending. They hoped that Yunus, a global symbol of microcredit, would deliver good governance, rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Fourteen months later, those hopes are shattered. The violence never stopped; it only changed hands, and some forms of violence have increased dramatically. Although this new wave of repression continues, the foreign diplomatic missions in Dhaka, so vocal in preaching democratic values during the previous tenure have chosen silence.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Violence and Arbitrary Arrests of the Hijra (Third Gender) Community in Chattogram and Narayanganj

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 19 October 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the brutal attacks and arbitrary arrests of members of the Hijra (third gender) community on 10 September in Boalkhali, Chattogram, and on 17 September in Rupganj, Narayanganj.

JMBF calls for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, as well as the unconditional release of the arrested Hijras and the withdrawal of all false cases filed against them.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of six lawyers in Naogaon and Dhaka.

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 16 October 2025: Human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is strongly alarmed and condemns the recent arbitrary arrest, re-arrest, and imprisonment of six senior lawyers in Naogaon and Dhaka on false and fabricated charges filed under the July assassination attempt, Explosive Substances Act, and Anti-Terrorism Act, solely for conducting professional activities and for holding differing political opinions. JMBF also demands the immediate release of the arrested and detained lawyers and the unconditional withdrawal of all cases filed against them.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Police Attacks on Peaceful Assembly of Jatio Party and MPO Teachers in Dhaka

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 13 October 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent brutal police attacks on peaceful political and social gatherings in Dhaka.

On 11 October, a peaceful political assembly of the Jatio Party at Kakrail More in the capital was violently disrupted by police. The following day, on 12 October, a peaceful protest by MPO-registered teachers in front of the National Press Club, demanding their legitimate rights, was attacked with sound grenades and baton charges, leaving many Jatio Party activists and several teachers bloodied and injured.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Statement on the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; October 10, 2025: On Friday, 10 October, the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls upon the Bangladeshi government to urgently reconsider its continued use of capital punishment. The number of prisoners on death row in Bangladesh has risen sharply over the years: from 1,009 in November 2011 to over 2,000 in June 2021, with at least 169+ death sentences in 2022 and 248+ in 2023. In 2025, more than 2,400 individuals currently remain on death row. These figures reflect systemic issues, including trials plagued by delays, inadequate legal representation, and procedural irregularities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns Continuous Threats and Attacks Against JMBF Secretary General Advocate Mohammad Alamgir

"Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; October 09, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the continuous threats, intimidation, and violent attacks directed against Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, the respected Secretary General of JMBF, for his courageous and professional engagement in defending victims of persecution, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, and for upholding the rule of law and justice in Bangladesh.

Over the past year, Advocate Alamgir has been repeatedly subjected to life-threatening attacks, harassment, and extortion demands by individuals and groups affiliated with BNP–Jamaat and Islamic fundamentalist elements, who have sought to silence him for his unwavering commitment to human rights and justice.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Killing of 3 Indigenous Youths in Kharachhari During Anti-Rape Protest

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 8 October 2025: Paris-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and outrage over the killing of three indigenous teenagers and the serious injury of at least 14 others during a protest in Guimara Upazila, Kharachhari district, Bangladesh, on 28 September. The protest was held against the rape of a hill girl. This incident is a horrifying example of the severe deterioration of human rights and state repression in Bangladesh.

JMBF strongly believes that despite the fact that the perpetrators were not arrested or punished, the firing upon peaceful anti-rape protesters is illegal, inhumane, and contrary to the Constitution and international human rights law.

How the Yunus-Led Interim Government Has Turned Justice into a Tool of Political Repression in Bangladesh

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

I. The Criminalization of Law and Lawyers

It began, as so many stories of injustice do, with a courtroom and a promise of fairness that never came.

Instead of being released on bail granted by the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, on 4 September 2025, Khodadad Khan Pitu (60), former President of the Naogaon District Bar Association and President of the Human Rights Lawyers’ Forum, Naogaon, was re-arrested by Naogaon Sadar police from the gate of Naogaon District Jail. On 5 September, he was produced before the court in connection with a 2024 case filed over an incident in 2022 under the Explosive Substances Act, and the court ordered him sent to jail.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Joins the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH)

Paris, France; October 4, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) received formal membership in the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH), a collective of French NGOs dedicated to promoting and defending human rights internationally, on October 1, 2025.

The PDH, established in 2017, provides a vital space for collaboration, exchange, and mutual support among French NGOs engaged in international human rights work. By joining PDH, JMBF aims to strengthen its connections with other civil society actors, enhance its visibility, and contribute to collective efforts in advocacy and human rights promotion.

Bangladesh Rights Abuses Raised at UN: JMBF President Meets OHCHR and Special Rapporteur in Geneva

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Geneva, Switzerland; October 2, 2025: The worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh has been brought before top UN officials in Geneva, as Advocate Shahanur Islam, President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), held bilateral meeting with senior representatives of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: July-September 2025

As we conclude the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, we are inspired by what has been achieved and energised by what lies ahead. This year began with a clear intention: to embrace new challenges, set bold goals, and recommit to sustainable progress. In just a few months, that vision has already taken root, fuelled by the passion of partners, volunteers, and everyday changemakers.

Their dedication reminds us that true impact is not only about scale, but about depth, connection, and consistency. The stories, reports, and actions highlighted in this edition are a testament to that spirit of resilience and solidarity. Looking forward, we are preparing to launch new initiatives—rooted in innovation, equity, and empowerment—that will expand access, strengthen partnerships, and uplift unheard voices.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over Re-Arrest of 10 High Court-Bailed Lawyers at Jail Gate on Sabotage Charges in Barguna

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 24 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep anger and condemnation over the re-arrest of 10 lawyers in Barguna who had secured bail from the High Court. On 15 September, just as they were about to be released, they were re-arrested at the jail gate on charges of sabotage and sent back to prison.

JMBF firmly believes that this incident constitutes a blatant violation of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and human rights in Bangladesh, and reflects clear political retaliation. Such actions not only undermine justice and democracy but also seriously threaten the safety and professional independence of lawyers, with a deeply negative impact on Bangladesh’s democratic system and human rights situation.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Protest Over the Death of Awami League Leader in Gaibandha Jail Due to Torture and Medical Negligence

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 23 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern over the death of Abu Bakkar Siddiq Munna, former Vice-President and former Chairman of Kanchipara Union, Fulchhari Upazila, Awami League, allegedly due to torture and medical negligence while in Gaibandha District Jail in the early morning of 22 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that this planned killing, carried out through politically motivated torture and denial of medical care, constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights declarations.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF deeply concerns over extremist mob attacks, vandalism, and arson on four shrines & physical assault of khadems of a manzil in Comilla & Gazipur.

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; September 19, 2025: The Paris-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the recent incidents of religious extremist mob attacks, vandalism, and burning of shrines, as well as the physical assault of a khadem in Comilla and Gazipur on September 18 and 5, 2025, respectively.

These incidents included attacks, destruction, and arson of four mazars (shrines) in Comilla, and the physical assault of a khadem at a manzil (religious establishment) in Gazipur, alongside inflammatory religious posts on social media inciting extremist mob violence, which resulted in the vandalism and arson of the manzil.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Deaths of Two Detainees in Sylhet and Moulvibazar Custody of RAB and PBI – JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; September 17,  2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the deaths of two detainees in the custody of law enforcement agencies in Sylhet and Moulvibazar on 14 and 15 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the deaths of these detainees in the custody of specialized units, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), are not only a threat to the rule of law and the judicial system in Bangladesh, but also constitute a gross violation of the Bangladesh Constitution and fundamental human rights as enshrined by the United Nations. These incidents pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s international human rights commitments.

URGENT APPEAL: JMBF’s Call on the Occasion of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights Delegation Visit to Bangladesh

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Honorable Members,

Greetings from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based independent, non-profit, and non-political human rights organization, established under the framework of the United Nations Human Rights Charter (Bill of Rights).

On the occasion of your visit to Bangladesh from 16 to 18 September 2025, JMBF expresses deep concern over the extremely serious violations and deterioration of law and order, economic conditions, and human rights under the interim government of Bangladesh, currently led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Calls for the Withdrawal of the Death Penalty Provision in the Proposed Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law

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Paris, France; 10 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the incorporation of the death penalty as the maximum punishment in the proposed Anti-Enforced Disappearance Law, approved by the Interim Government of Bangladesh Advisory Council in its meeting on 28 August 2025, which is clearly contrary to fundamental human rights principles.

While strict legislation is necessary to prevent serious crimes such as enforced disappearances, JMBF firmly believes that the death penalty is never justifiable under any justice system. Capital punishment stands in direct contradiction to the principles of human rights, the right to life, and justice. It allows no scope for remedy and, in cases of wrongful conviction, causes irreparable harm.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns Brutal Attack on Shrine in Goalanda, Rajbari, and Exhumation of Dead Body by Public Burning

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Paris, France; 06 September 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation of the heinous act of brutal attack, arson, and vandalism of the shrine (Darbār Sharif) and Nurul Haque’s home, as well as the exhumation and public burning of his body. This attack was carried out by an Islamist extremist group yesterday, on 05 September 2025, in Goalanda, Rajbari.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Imprisonment of 12 Pro-Awami Lawyers in Barguna

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Paris, France | 4 September 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the rejection of bail petitions and the subsequent imprisonment of 12 pro-Awami League lawyers on 2 September 2025 in Barguna, carried out with the sole intention of obstructing the professional duties of lawyers through politically motivated actions.

JMBF firmly believes that this incident constitutes a clear violation of the Bangladesh Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, all of which guarantee the fundamental right of lawyers to professional independence. This development poses a grave threat to the rule of law, democracy, and national security in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Killing of One Worker and Injuries to Over Fifty by Police-Military Firing at Uttara EPZ, Nilphamari

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Paris, France | 3 September 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the killing of one worker and injuries to over fifty others by police and military personnel shooting during the worker protest at Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Nilphamari on 2 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the shooting of one worker and the wounding of over fifty others during the Uttara EPZ protest represent a severe violation of labor rights and human rights in Bangladesh. Continued use of such repressive measures will not only deny workers their legitimate rights but will also further deteriorate the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh and severely damage the country’s international reputation.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern and strongly condemns recent attacks, arrests, and fabricated cases against 19 lawyers across various districts in the country.

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Paris, France | 02 September 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound concern and strong condemnation of these incidents of escalating attacks, arrests, fabricated cases, and harassment of lawyers across several districts in Bangladesh, solely due to the mere fulfillment of professional duties and political beliefs.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Killing of Bangladeshi Citizen at Kanaighat Border by BSF

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Paris, France | September 01, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the killing of 25-year-old Bangladeshi citizen Abdur Rahman by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Dona border, Kanaighat Upazila, Sylhet. Several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

According to local sources, on 29 August 2025, Abdur Rahman, son of Khalilur Rahman from Atgram Barochatal (Bakuri) village, was shot dead by the BSF at the border. Despite repeated assurances from India to prevent cross-border killings, BSF continues to fire indiscriminately, targeting Bangladeshi citizens. JMBF considers this a clear case of extrajudicial killing and a serious violation of international human rights law.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Brutal Police and Military Crackdown on Engineering Students and Ganadhikar Parishad Leaders in Dhaka

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Paris, France | 31 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the horrific violence perpetrated by police and military forces against peaceful protests by engineering students and leaders of the Ganadhikar Parishad in Dhaka on 27 and 29 August 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the barbaric attacks on engineering students and Ganadhikar Parishad leaders constitute a clear violation of Article 35(5) of the Constitution of Bangladesh and the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

JMBF Statement on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2025

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Paris, France; 30 August 2025: Today, 30 August, marks the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances 2025. On this day, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) solemnly commemorates all victims of enforced disappearances and abductions in Bangladesh and across the world, paying the deepest respect and sympathy to them and their families.

In Bangladesh, enforced disappearance has remained a grim reality for many years. Over the past decade and a half, numerous political activists, students, youths, and ordinary citizens have fallen victim to enforced disappearance. Families of the disappeared continue to endure unbearable pain and uncertainty in the absence of their loved ones. This culture of disappearance is not only a grave violation of human rights but also a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Attack and Arbitrary Arrest of Former Minister, University Professor, Journalists, and Prominent Citizens at Discussion in Dhaka

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Paris, France; 29 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongly condemns the violent attack and arbitrary arrest of former Minister and Member of Parliament Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman of Dhaka University’s Department of Law, along with journalist Monjurul Alam Panna and other eminent citizens, by anti-liberation fundamentalist miscreants on 28 August 2025. This occurred during the roundtable discussion titled “Our Great Liberation War and the Constitution of Bangladesh” organized by Manch 71 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

This attack was reportedly carried out with the direct backing of the current interim government. The participants were obstructed, handed over to the police, and later subjected to arbitrary arrest under false charges filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act before being sent to jail custody.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern over the mysterious death of journalist Bibhoranjan Sarkar and ongoing repression of journalists

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Paris, France; 28 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound grief and outrage at the tragic death of veteran journalist and columnist Bibhoranjan Sarkar. After being missing since 21 August, his body was recovered on 22 August from the Meghna River in Munshiganj. JMBF firmly believes that this shocking incident once again exposes the vulnerable condition of journalists and the multiple forms of repression they face in Bangladesh.

JMBF, with deep concern, recalls that before his death Mr. Sarkar, in his “Open Letter,” explicitly highlighted the financial hardship of journalists, the lack of fair wages, professional humiliation, and constant pressure from the authorities. His last words reflect that journalism in Bangladesh today is not only subjected to financial disparity and exploitation but also chained under severe state and political repression.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF strongly condemns and protests the vandalism of the food cart and threats against sexual minority intersex woman Jannatul Nayeem Pori in Dhaka

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Paris, France; August 27, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and outrage over the incidents of vandalism, destruction of a food cart, and threats made by local influential individuals against sexual minority intersex woman Shawon Islam, also known as Jannatul Nayeem Pori, in Uttara, Dhaka, on August 17 and 18, 2025.

At the same time, the France-based human rights organization JMBF has strongly urged the immediate arrest of those involved, the filing of cases under existing laws, and the swift and transparent trial of the perpetrators to ensure exemplary punishment.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Its Annual State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths under the Interim Government in Bangladesh

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Paris, France – August 25, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today released its Annual Report 2025: An Up-To-Date State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Under the Interim Government in Bangladesh (August 2024 – July 2025), presenting a grim account of widespread human rights violations under the Yunus-led interim administration.

The report, researched by Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus and edited by Advocate Shahanur Islam, documents 60 incidents resulting in 70 victims of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths carried out by law enforcement agencies, prison authorities, and other security forces across Bangladesh.

The report has been published from Paris, France, with an official press release circulated via email communication. It is also available on JMBF’s official website, Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X accounts.

The report states that despite assuming power in August 2024 with pledges to restore democracy, good governance, and human rights, the Yunus government has presided over what JMBF describes as a systematic pattern of repression, impunity, and political persecution.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Death of Durjoy Chowdhury in Police Custody at Chakaria Police Station, Cox’s Bazar

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Paris, France; 23 August 2025: France-based human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the mysterious death of young government employee Durjoy Chowdhury (27) in police custody at Chakaria Police Station, Cox’s Bazar, in the early hours of Friday, 22 August 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that this death is the result of planned custodial torture and extrajudicial killing, which was subsequently staged as a case of suicide. This represents a gross violation of human rights and a stark example of state terrorism.

JMBF Leaders Raise Alarming Concerns over Violence against LGBTQI+ People in Bangladesh at International Conference in France

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Paris, France; August 22, 2025: Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), and Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JMBF, joined the 2025 Euro-Mediterranean Summer Universities of Homosexualities (UEEH), held from August 10 to 21, 2025, in Vic-en-Bigorre, France.

UEEH, first launched in 1979, is one of the world’s longest-standing international initiatives created entirely by and for LGBTQIA+ communities. Unlike conventional conferences, it functions as a self-organized grassroots gathering, where participants live and work together in a setting rooted in solidarity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Over the years, it has become a vital platform for knowledge exchange, activism, and community building across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern and outrage over the lifetime expulsion of transgender female student Sahara Chowdhury from Sylhet Metropolitan University

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Paris, France; 20 August 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern, anger, and strong protest over the lifetime expulsion of transgender female student Safwan Chowdhury Rebel, also known as Sahara Chowdhury, from Sylhet Metropolitan University on 10 August. The expulsion was carried out under pressure from organized groups solely on the basis of her gender identity and sexual orientation, without any specific reason being provided.

JMBF believes that this decision is not only unjust and discriminatory, but also contrary to the Constitution of Bangladesh, existing laws, international human rights treaties, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Depriving a student of the right to education based on gender identity or sexual orientation constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over False Attempted Murder Case Against Supreme Court Lawyers and Violent Attacks on Lawyers During Hearings

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Paris, France; 15 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over two incidents: the filing of false and fabricated cases against 65 lawyers, including the former Attorney General, President, and Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar, for attempted murder on 13 August 2025 at Shahbagh Police Station, as well as the physical assault and harassment of other lawyers on 11 August 2025 during the bail hearing of former Chief Justice Khairul Haque in the High Court.

JMBF firmly believes that these incidents pose a serious threat to lawyers performing their professional duties independently. These actions are a clear violation of the Constitution, human rights, and international norms. Ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the safety of lawyers in Bangladesh is essential to upholding both national and international human rights standards.

One Year of the Yunus Regime: Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Persist in Bangladesh

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By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, following the collapse of the Awami League administration, expectations ran high. The leadership pledged to strengthen democracy, restore the rule of law, and protect human rights. Yet, one year on, evidence suggests that these aspirations remain far from realized.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Bangladesh recorded sixty incidents of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths, resulting in seventy victims, according to monitoring by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Of these, thirty-three incidents were linked to law enforcement and security forces, accounting for forty-three deaths, while twenty-seven deaths occurred inside prisons. These figures point to persistent structural weaknesses within the justice and security systems.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over the Lynching Murder of Two Dalit Individuals in Rangpur

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Paris, France | 11 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, outrage, and sorrow over the brutal lynching murder of two minority Dalit individuals, Ruplal Das and Pradip Das, in the Burirhat area of Sayar Union, Taraganj Upazila, Rangpur, on the night of Saturday, 9 August 2025. JMBF strongly believes this barbaric incident was a planned mob lynching and targeted communal violence, representing a grave violation of human rights.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Statement on the Occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2025

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Paris, France; 9 August 2025: Today, 9 August 2025, the United Nations–declared International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is being observed across the globe. This year’s theme — “Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Protecting Rights, Building the Future” — serves as a reminder that no matter how far technology advances, protecting the lives, security, and rights of indigenous peoples must remain a top priority.

Bangladesh is home to more than 50 small ethnic communities who have preserved their culture, language, and traditions for centuries. Yet, these diverse communities continue to suffer from violence, land grabbing, forced evictions, sexual assaults, and impunity. The reality is that even after one year in power, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus — which had pledged to end “discrimination and deprivation” — has shown no visible improvement in the human rights situation of indigenous peoples.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Murder of Journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur

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Paris, France; 8 August 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, strong condemnation, and outrage over the brutal hacking to death of Protidiner Kagoj’s Gazipur staff reporter, Asaduzzaman Tuhin, in the Chandna Chowrasta area of Gazipur city on the night of Thursday, 7 August 2025. JMBF considers this incident a naked assault on press freedom and a blatant violation of human rights.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Persecution and Expulsion of LGBTQ+ Students at DUET

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Paris, France; August 7, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the incident at Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur, where seven students were detained and tortured in their dormitories on July 19, 2025, merely on the accusation of being sexual minorities—specifically homosexual—and were subsequently temporarily expelled from their dorms on July 22 and 24 by the university administration.

JMBF condemns this horrific discriminatory act and violation of personal privacy rights at DUET, which contravenes the Constitution of Bangladesh, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights treaties.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Mass Expulsion & Certificate Cancellation at Jahangirnagar University Without Due Process

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Paris, France | 05 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBB), a France-based international human rights organization, expresses its deep concern, strong condemnation, and protest regarding the decision by Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities to expel 64 students permanently, suspend 46 others for varying durations, and permanently revoke the academic certificates of 73 former students, while suspending the certificates of 6 others for two years. These actions were taken without granting the accused students any opportunity to defend themselves, in connection with their alleged involvement in attacks during the student uprising from 14 to 17 July last year.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Arbitrary Arrest of 5 Lawyers and Fabricated Cases Against 12 in Barguna, Satkhira, Gazipur, Bogura, and Gopalganj

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Paris, France; 01 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deep concern and strong protest over the recent politically motivated and arbitrary arrests and detention of five respected lawyers, as well as the filing of false cases against twelve others in various districts of Bangladesh—namely Barguna, Satkhira, Gazipur, Bogura, and Gopalganj—solely for carrying out their professional duties and holding differing political opinions.

JMBF firmly believes that targeting lawyers solely because of their professional conduct or political beliefs constitutes a clear and blatant violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined by the United Nations.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Communal Attack on Hindu Minority Community in Gangachara, Rangpur

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Paris, France; July 28, 2025: Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the communal attack on the Hindu religious minority community in Aldatpur village, Betgari Union, Gangachara Upazila, Rangpur district.

The violence that occurred in Rangpur on July 26 and 27, 2025, triggered by a teenager’s Facebook post about the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is not only against the rule of law but also a grave violation of religious tolerance and human rights.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the houses, honor, and security of a community were looted due to a teenager’s social media post. JMBF believes this brutal and premeditated attack is a blatant display of communal extremism.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Brutal Killing of Gay Man Rafiqul Islam in Gazipur

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Paris, France; 26 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the premeditated and brutal murder of Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, a gay man, in Gazipur on the night of 19 July 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the deliberate killing of Rafiqul Islam solely based on his sexual orientation constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Arrest of Former Chief Justice A. B. M. Khairul Haque — A Direct Blow to Judicial Independence

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Paris, France; July 25, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong protest over the arrest of Bangladesh’s former Chief Justice A. B. M. Khairul Haque on July 24, 2025, from Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area, on charges related to a murder during last year’s July coup, and the absence of any legal representation on his behalf in court.

JMBF firmly believes that the filing of a politically motivated murder case and the arrest of a former Chief Justice—who solely performed his judicial duties per the Constitution—constitutes a blatant violation of judicial independence, fundamental principles of justice, and the rule of law.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Expresses Deep Concern Over the Death of Jubo Dal Leader Asif Shikder Due to Torture by Joint Forces in Dhaka

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Paris, France; July 24, 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound concern and strong condemnation over the death of Asif Shikder, a leader of the Jubo Dal’s Ward No. 93 unit, who died on Monday, July 21, 2025, in Mirpur, Dhaka, as a result of inhumane torture in the custody of joint forces.

JMBF firmly believes that the killing of Jubo Dal leader Asif Shikder at the hands of joint forces constitutes a gross violation of human rights and sends a horrifying message regarding the state of democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.