Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Communal Violence in Bangladesh and Protests Against Government Denial

Paris, France: February 5, 2025: The France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the alarming rise in communal violence targeting religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh between August 21, 2024, and December 31, 2024. According to credible reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 174 incidents of violence occurred during this period, resulting in the tragic deaths of 23 individuals from minority communities. These atrocities included 9 horrific cases of torture, rape, and gang rape of women, attacks on 64 places of worship, the destruction and looting of 38 homes and businesses, and the forcible occupation of 25 properties. Additionally, 15 individuals were arrested and tortured on baseless allegations of insulting religion.

JMBF asserts that such systematic violence against minority communities is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and an assault on the principles of justice, equality, and religious freedom. It is deeply disturbing that, instead of addressing these grave issues, the interim government of Bangladesh, through the Chief Advisor's Press Wing, has chosen to deny and dismiss these incidents as mere political propaganda.

At a news briefing on February 3, 2025, the Chief Advisor's Press Wing attempted to downplay the severity of these crimes, suggesting that the portrayal of these events as communal violence is misleading. While they acknowledged the arrest of 47 individuals in connection with 21 cases and the confessional statements of 17 suspects, their narrative fails to recognize the broader pattern of targeted violence against vulnerable communities. This deliberate denial and minimization of communal violence not only undermines the lived experiences of the victims but also signals a dangerous disregard for justice and accountability.

Robert SIMON, prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated:
"The denial of communal violence by the Bangladeshi interim government is not just an insult to the victims but a threat to the very foundations of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy. Justice cannot exist where the truth is suppressed. The international community must stand firm against such blatant disregard for human dignity and demand accountability."

Advocate Shahanur ISLAM, Bangladeshi human rights activist, and Founder President of JMBF, added:
"These violent attacks are part of a disturbing pattern of persecution against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh under the present interim government, led by former Nobel laureate for peace, Prof. Muhammad Yunus. The government's refusal to acknowledge the truth only emboldens the perpetrators. We call for immediate, impartial investigations under direct intervention by the United Nations and urge the government to take responsibility for protecting all its citizens, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity."

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) firmly rejects this narrative of denial. The refusal to acknowledge the communal nature of these attacks is an insult to the victims and their families and perpetuates a culture of impunity for those responsible. This failure to act decisively and transparently threatens the fabric of Bangladesh's pluralistic society and endangers the fragile communal harmony that has been hard-won over decades.

We call upon the United Nations, the international community, human rights organizations, and justice advocates worldwide to:

  1. Demand an Independent Investigation: Immediate and impartial investigations into all reported incidents of violence through direct intervention and supervision by the United Nations, ensuring that those responsible—whether individuals or groups—are brought to justice without delay.

  2. Hold the Interim Government Accountable: Urge the interim government of Bangladesh to publicly acknowledge the communal nature of these attacks and take concrete measures to protect religious and ethnic minorities from further violence.

  3. Support the Victims: Provide necessary support, including legal assistance, psychological counseling, and humanitarian aid, to the victims and their families who continue to suffer in the aftermath of these attacks.

  4. Monitor the Human Rights Situation: Establish independent international monitoring mechanisms to ensure continued oversight of the human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly concerning minority communities.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims of communal violence in Bangladesh and is closely monitoring developments. We demand that the interim government abandon its policy of denial and engage in meaningful actions to ensure justice, accountability, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic identity.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Bangladesh deserve a government that upholds human rights, not one that suppresses the truth.

Thank you,









Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus
Chief Coordinator & Member of the Executive Committee
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France
📞 Cell/WhatsApp: +33 (0)7 83 95 23 15
🌍 Website: www.jmbf.org


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.

No comments:

Post a Comment