Paris, France; March 21, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization committed to advancing human rights and upholding the rule of law, strongly condemns the politically motivated and fabricated charges filed against 291 prominent lawyers across multiple incidents in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Comilla. These highly respected legal professionals, known for their legal expertise and advocacy for justice, have been targeted by malicious and politically driven cases aimed at suppressing their voices and discrediting their professionalism.JMBF asserts that the charges filed against these individuals include severe accusations such as murder, attempted murder, assault, bomb explosions, detonating explosives, vandalizing vehicles, and involvement in violent attacks on peaceful student protesters. These accusations are completely baseless and part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the integrity of the legal profession in Bangladesh. JMBF urges the government of Bangladesh to immediately drop the charge against those lawyers.
Among those falsely implicated are some of the most respected and well-known legal professionals in Bangladesh, including Barrister Shafiq Ahmed, former Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin, Barrister Tania Amir, Advocate Syed Haider Ali, Advocate Mokhleshur Rahman Badal, Advocate Motaher Hossain Saju, Advocate Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Abdur Noor Dulal, Barrister Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury, Barrister Khondker Reza E Rakib, Barrister Tanzib Ul Alam, former president of the Metropolitan Puja Parishad Chandan Kumar Talukder, General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in Chattogram, lawyer Nitai Prasad Ghosh, and many others. These individuals have tirelessly fought for justice, human rights, and the protection of the oppressed, and now they are being targeted simply for their unwavering commitment to these causes.
JMBF believes that the specific incidents in which these lawyers are falsely implicated span from the tragic death of student protester Imran Hossain to alleged violent acts during the anti-discrimination student movements in Comilla and Dhaka. These movements, led by brave students advocating for justice and equality, have pushed the envelope on social and legal justice in Bangladesh. It is appalling that, rather than recognizing the importance of these peaceful protests, the authorities have chosen to target and intimidate those who advocate for truth and accountability.
Incidents Involved:
Incident 1: On September 1, 2024, politically motivated charges were filed against 9 prominent lawyers in connection with the death of student protestor Imran Hossain. The case accuses these lawyers of using live ammunition and explosives to suppress the protest, which is widely considered an attempt to politically target these respected legal professionals.
Incident 2: On February 6, 2025, 144 pro-Awami League lawyers of the Dhaka Bar Association were falsely accused of assault, vandalism, and attempted murder. This case arises from the July movement and is being used to intimidate those who challenge the government’s stance on various legal and social issues.
Incident 3: On November 29, 2024, 70 lawyers, are charged under the Explosives Act for their supposed involvement in a violent attack and explosion in Chattogram. This case is a clear attempt to criminalize lawyers simply for doing their jobs in defending their clients and upholding the law.
Incident 4: On November 21, 2024, 11 lawyers were wrongly charged in connection with the murder of street vendor Jalal Uddin during the anti-discrimination movement in Mugda, Dhaka. This case reflects the ongoing suppression of protests against injustice, with the government attempting to scapegoat legal professionals who support human rights.
Incident 5: On September 25, 2024, 25 lawyers are falsely accused of election fraud in the Supreme Court Bar Association elections. This baseless case seeks to undermine the integrity of the legal profession and tarnish the reputations of those standing for fairness and due process.
Incident 6: On February 12, 2025, 32 lawyers are accused of attacking student protesters in Comilla. The case alleges the use of firearms, bomb explosions, and beatings. However, these accusations are unfounded and created solely to attack those who advocate for justice and equality.
Legal Analysis: Constitutional and International Legal Framework
The charges against these 291 lawyers not only contravene basic principles of justice and fairness but also violate the constitutional guarantees of Bangladesh and the broader international human rights framework. As a signatory to key international treaties, Bangladesh is legally bound to uphold and protect the rights of its citizens, including legal professionals who act in defense of justice.
Constitution of Bangladesh:
The Constitution of Bangladesh enshrines several fundamental rights for its citizens, which form the bedrock of the country’s democratic framework and judicial integrity. This right is deeply intertwined with the fundamental principle of justice, where every individual, including legal professionals, is entitled to a transparent and impartial process. Article 39 of the Constitution protects the right to freedom of expression, allowing citizens, especially those in the legal profession, to voice their opinions freely.
However, the actions taken against these 291 lawyers stand in stark violation of these constitutional rights. By falsely accusing and targeting lawyers for their different political beliefs and opinions, as well as carrying out their professional duties, including the representation of clients and their advocacy for human rights, the state not only infringes upon their constitutional rights but also undermines the rule of law.
In doing so, the independence of the judiciary is also eroded—an independence that is explicitly guaranteed by the Constitution. Lawyers are critical to safeguarding the rights of the people and ensuring that justice is served. Their ability to work without intimidation or harassment is vital for the preservation of any democratic society, yet this is precisely what is being threatened in this case.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
In addition to these constitutional guarantees, Bangladesh is also bound by its commitments under international law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948. The UDHR stands as the foundational instrument in international human rights law, and its principles have been widely recognized by countries across the globe.
Article 19 of the UDHR specifically safeguards the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information. Lawyers, by their nature, must exercise this freedom to advocate for their clients and uphold justice. They must be free to speak, whether in court or in public, without fear of retribution or political prosecution.
The false charges against these lawyers undermine this very right, as their ability to represent their clients and advocate for justice is obstructed by politically motivated intimidation.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR):
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a treaty that Bangladesh ratified in 2000, further reinforces the importance of fairness, justice, and equality within the legal system.
Article 14 of the ICCPR guarantees the right to a fair trial, providing protections such as the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the right to an independent and impartial tribunal, and the right to an adequate defense. These protections are meant to ensure that individuals, including legal professionals, can carry out their duties without fear of unfair treatment or political interference.
The charges brought against the 291 lawyers violate these provisions, as they are being prosecuted not for any legitimate legal wrongdoing, but as a means to silence their advocacy for human rights.
In addition, Article 19 of the ICCPR protects the right to freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any functioning legal system. For lawyers, this provision is especially crucial, as their ability to speak freely on legal matters is fundamental to their role as defenders of justice.
Moreover, Article 22 ensures the right to freedom of association, which allows lawyers to organize and associate with others in defense of their clients' rights. The politically motivated charges against these individuals are a direct challenge to their ability to exercise this right, as they are being punished for their professional activities and affiliations.
UN Principles on the Role of Lawyers:
The UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, adopted in 1990, recognize that lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring the effective protection of human rights. Principle 16 states that lawyers should not be identified with their clients or their clients' causes, which is essential for ensuring that lawyers can represent any client without fear of retribution. This is particularly important in cases where lawyers defend controversial or politically sensitive causes.
Principle 18 further asserts that lawyers must be free to exercise their right to freedom of expression, belief, association, and assembly. Lawyers must be able to advocate for their clients' rights and engage in public discourse on legal matters without undue interference or fear of political retribution.
Finally, Principle 20 affirms that lawyers must be protected from any threats, harassment, or harm arising from their professional activities.
JMBF believes that the accusations leveled against these 291 lawyers not only violate these principles but also represent a direct attack on the essential role of lawyers in any society. By targeting these legal professionals for simply having different political beliefs and fulfilling their professional duties—defending their clients, advocating for justice, and upholding the rule of law—the government is undermining the very foundation of legal practice and threatening the rights of individuals to fair representation.
Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, reiterates, "These cases represent an affront to both the legal profession and human rights. The international community must not remain silent while Bangladesh’s legal professionals are persecuted for simply doing their job – upholding justice."
He added, "By targeting these 291 lawyers in Bangladesh, the government not only violates their constitutional rights but also undermines the broader legal framework designed to protect human rights and ensure fairness in society. These actions send a chilling message to all legal professionals, and they serve as a stark reminder of the need to defend the independence of the judiciary and the role of lawyers as advocates for justice."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, states, “We demand an immediate investigation into the politically motivated harassment of these lawyers, and we call on the international community to hold accountable those who seek to undermine the independence of the judiciary in Bangladesh.”
He also added, "It is crucial that these charges be dismissed, and that the political harassment of lawyers cease so that they can continue to fulfill their essential role in upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh."
JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF) is closely monitoring the development of the cases and stands in solidarity with the 291 lawyers wrongfully accused in these politically motivated cases.
JMBF calls for the immediate dismissal of all charges and the cessation of attempts to intimidate and silence legal professionals who are fulfilling their vital role in upholding human rights and the rule of law.
Contact Information:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Md. Shamim Akter
Coordinator & Member
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Phone: +33 (0) 7 83 95 2315
Fact in Brief (According to information received from JMBF's reliable sources and reports published by various news media in Bangladesh)
Incident 01: Politically Motivated Charges Filed Against 9 Prominent Lawyers in Connection with Student Protester’s Death in Dhaka
On September 1, 2024, politically motivated charges were filed against a group of highly respected legal professionals, including Barrister Shafiq Ahmed, former Attorney General AM Amin Uddin, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Tania Amir, and others, in connection with the killing of student protester Imran Hossain. The case also implicates several prominent figures, including former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal Advocate Syed Haider Ali, Advocate Mokhleshur Rahman Badal, former Deputy Attorney General Advocate Motaher Hossain Saju, Advocate Nurul Islam Sujan, Advocate Mahbub Ali, and Advocate Shamsul Haque Tuku.
The case, filed by Kohinoor Akhtar, claims her son Imran was a brilliant student involved in the anti-discrimination student movement. According to the allegations, Imran was shot while participating in a peaceful protest at Qutubkhali in Jatrabari on August 5, 2024, and later succumbed to his injuries. The plaintiff’s account accuses the defendants, allegedly acting under orders from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of using live ammunition and explosives to suppress the protest. However, these accusations are strongly disputed, with many considering the case a malicious attempt to target the accused based on their political positions and advocacy for justice.
Incident 02: Politically Motivated Attempted Murder Case Filed Against 144 Pro-Awami League Lawyers of the Dhaka Bar Association
On February 6, 2025, a case was filed against 144 pro-Awami League lawyers of the Dhaka Bar Association on charges of assault, vandalism, and attempted murder during the July movement. The case was filed by Mohammad Ali Babu, a pro-BNP lawyer of the Dhaka Bar Association, in the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mehedi Hasan. The court accepted the case and directed Kotwali police station to register it as an FIR.
Some of the key accused in the case include former Public Prosecutor (PP) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Court Md. Abdullah Abu, former President of the Lawyers' Association Advocate Kazi Nazibullah Hiru, Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman Badal, Md. Saidur Rahman Manik, Md. Mizanur Rahman Mamun, Abdur Rahman Howlader, Gazi Md. Shah Alam, Abdul Baten, Mahbubur Rahman, former General Secretary Khandaker Golam Kibria Zubair, Mohammad Anwar Shahadat Shaon, Md. Firozur Rahman Montu, Md. Asaduzzaman Khan Rochi, and member Sanjida Khanom.
According to the complaint, on the afternoon of August 4, 2024, the accused unlawfully gathered in front of the Dhaka Lawyers' Association, carrying weapons and sticks, causing panic. They detonated bombs while chanting slogans such as "Sheikh Hasina has no fear; we have not left the streets." At that time, the victim lawyer, after finishing a court hearing, arrived in front of the Dhaka Lawyers' Association building. The accused, Shaon, wearing a helmet, allegedly aimed a pistol at him with the intent to kill. Another accused, Wakil, attacked him with an iron rod, leaving him seriously injured.
The complaint further states that the accused shouted slogans while physically assaulting the plaintiff and other lawyers with punches, kicks, rods, and sticks. They also vandalized the chambers of pro-BNP lawyers and looted goods worth millions of takas.
Incident 03: Politically Motivated Case Filed Against 70 Lawyers Over Attack and Explosion in Chattogram
On November 29, 2024, a case was filed under the Explosives Act against 116 named individuals, including 70 lawyers, along with 500 unidentified persons, for attacking lawyers and litigants, detonating explosives, and vandalizing vehicles in Chattogram. The case was filed on Friday night at Kotwali police station by Jane Alam, the brother of murdered lawyer Saiful Islam.
Some of the key accused in the case include senior lawyer of the Chattogram court and former president of the Metropolitan Puja Parishad, Chandan Kumar Talukder; General Secretary of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Chattogram, lawyer Nitai Prasad Ghosh; Acting General Secretary of the Metropolitan Puja Parishad, lawyer Nikhil Kumar Nath; as well as lawyers Chandan Das, Rubel Pal, Suman Acharya, and Ashirbad Kumar Biswas, among others.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), on Tuesday at around 12:30 PM, the court denied bail to Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, the spokesperson of the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, who had been arrested in a sedition case. Following the bail rejection, as he was being placed into the prison van, his followers attempted to stop it and started protesting. They blocked the prison van and began demonstrating. Later, the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) dispersed the protesters by baton-charging and using sound grenades, which led to a violent clash. During this time, the accused allegedly attacked lawyers and litigants. Around 20 to 30 vehicles were vandalized in the incident.
Incident 04: Politically Motivated Case Filed Against 11 Lawyers Over the Murder of Street Vendor in Dhaka
On November 21, 2024, a case was filed against 11 lawyers in Dhaka, along with 129 others, in connection with the murder of street vendor Jalal Uddin (42) during an anti-discrimination movement in the capital’s Mugda area. The case was lodged at Mugda Police Station on November 21, 2024, by the victim’s wife, Moli Khatun.
According to the complaint, on the evening of July 20, 2024, a student-public movement against discrimination was taking place in Mugda. During the protest, 200-250 members of the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechhasebak League, and law enforcement agencies allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the demonstrators. Amid the chaos, Jalal Uddin, who was on the sidewalk, was shot and died on the spot.
Among the accused in the case are former Public Prosecutor of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court Abdullah Abu, Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, Advocate Anisul Huq, and Advocate Kamrul Islam.
Incident 05: Politically Motivated Case Filed Against 25 Lawyers Over Election Fraud in Supreme Court Bar Association
On September 25, 2024, a case was filed against 40 individuals, including 25 lawyers, over allegations of election fraud in the Supreme Court Bar Association elections. The case was filed by Supreme Court lawyer A.B.M. Ibrahim Khalil in the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Akhtaruzzaman on Wednesday. The court recorded the plaintiff’s statement and directed Shahbagh Police Station to investigate the allegations.
Among the key accused are Advocate Anisul Huq, former Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin, Barrister Fazle Noor Taposh, Advocate Momtaz Uddin Fakir, Abdur Noor Dulal, Barrister Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury, Barrister Khondker Reza E Rakib, Barrister Tanzib Ul Alam, Motahar Hossain Saju, former Additional Attorney General Sheikh Md. Morshed, Advocate Moniruzzaman, Wakilur Rahman, Azaharullah Bhuiyan, Waziullah, Soumitra Sardar, Shuvo, Kajol Rashid Bishwas, Barrister Imran, Asaduzzaman Monir, Mizan, Jaglul Kabir, Saif, Shahnewaz, and Mukim.
According to the complaint, on March 15, 2019, at around 10:00 AM, under the direction of several named accused, 40-50 unidentified lawyers, members of Jubo League, and over a hundred special police officers entered the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium. The accused allegedly disrupted the institution’s history, tradition, and dignity by forcibly removing lawyers from the premises. They then conducted a fraudulent election under a so-called election commissioner, casting fake votes, producing counterfeit ballots, and personally voting fraudulently.
Incident 06: Politically Motivated Case Filed Against 32 Lawyers over Attack During Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Comilla
On February 12, 2025, a case was filed by Inzamul Haque, the organizer of the anti-discrimination student movement in Comilla, against 261 individuals, including 32 lawyers of the Comilla District Bar Association, in connection with an attack on student protesters. The incident occurred during the anti-discrimination movement in the Police Lines area of Comilla city, involving gunfire, bomb explosions, and other violent acts. The case also named 150 to 200 unidentified individuals as accused.
Among the key accused are the President of the District Lawyers’ Association, Mostafizur Rahman; General Secretary Mohammad Jahangir Alam Bhuiyan; former President Abdul Momin; and former Public Prosecutor (PP) Zahirul Islam.
According to the brief of the case, on August 3, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student protest, the accused allegedly attacked the protesters with firearms and weapons near the Police Lines High School road. They fired indiscriminately at the student demonstrators, threw cocktails, and caused several injuries. Witnesses reported that between 25 to 30 students were shot in various parts of their bodies, including the chest and eyes.
In addition, during the assault, many unarmed students were severely beaten, resulting in broken bones and serious injuries. Some witnesses who tried to help the injured students and send them to the hospital were reportedly obstructed by the accused. The case highlights the brutality of the assault and the hindrance to providing medical aid to the victims.
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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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