According to information received from JMBF’s reliable sources and reports published in different news media in Bangladesh, JMBF has learned that on Monday, March 10, 2025, three lawyers were seriously injured in an attack by a group of general students and the public in Jamalpur for acting as defense lawyers in alleged rape cases. The injured lawyers were admitted to Jamalpur General Hospital for treatment.
The incident took place on Monday afternoon in front of the Lawyers' Association at the Jamalpur District Court premises.
Recently, a group of general students and the public organized a human chain protest at Doyamoyi Square in Jamalpur, demanding justice for two rape cases in Islampur and Dewanganj. After the protest, they went to the court premises to pressure the defense lawyers into withdrawing from the cases, arguing that representing the accused in court was an injustice to the victims.
On the other hand, the defense lawyers insisted that every accused has the right to seek bail and a fair trial through the legal process. When they refused to withdraw from the alleged rape cases, a heated argument broke out between the two groups. Eventually, the situation escalated into a violent clash and chase.
During the conflict, eight people were injured, including three lawyers—Senior Lawyer Khalilur Rahman, Vice President of the Lawyers' Association Abdul Awal, and Lawyer Shahjahan Ali. They were later admitted to Jamalpur General Hospital for medical treatment.
JMBF asserts that the right to legal representation is a cornerstone of any democratic society. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every accused person the right to legal defense and a fair trial. Articles 27, 31, and 33 explicitly enshrine the principles of equality before the law, due process, and the right to counsel. Attacking lawyers for fulfilling their professional duties is a blatant violation of these constitutional rights.
Furthermore, JMBF believes that this attack directly contravenes international human rights standards. Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantee the right to a fair trial, including legal representation. Additionally, the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers state that lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, or violence. The violent attempt to force defense lawyers to withdraw from a case is a gross violation of these legal and ethical principles.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF has strongly denounced the attack, stating, "The assault on legal professionals in Jamalpur is a grave injustice that threatens the very foundation of the rule of law in Bangladesh. Lawyers must be able to carry out their duty without fear of violence or intimidation. The international community must stand in solidarity with the legal profession and demand accountability for this attack."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a renowned Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and the Founder President of JMBF,has also expressed deep concern, stating, "This is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is one of many instances of violence against lawyers, including fabricated cases, attacks, physical assaults, and arrests solely for performing their professional duties or holding different political beliefs. Such incidents have been occurring across the country under the current interim government."
Mr. Islam further added, "This attack is an attempt to silence the defenders of justice and disrupt the legal process. Justice cannot be served through intimidation and mob violence. The government of Bangladesh must ensure the safety of legal professionals and take immediate action against those responsible to prevent such incidents in the future."
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) urges the Government of Bangladesh to take urgent and decisive action to ensure the safety and independence of the legal profession.JMBF calls upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. JMBF also urges the Bangladesh Bar Council, Supreme Court, and international human rights organizations to take a strong stance against such violations and work to protect the fundamental rights of legal professionals.
JMBF further calls on the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers to intervene and assess the deteriorating situation of legal professionals in Bangladesh to ensure that they can perform their duties independently, fairly, and without fear, while also ensuring the right to a fair trial for all accused persons.
JMBF believes that the independence of the legal profession is not just about protecting lawyers—it is about safeguarding justice for all. Attacks like these undermine the judicial process and endanger the rule of law.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the victims of this attack and reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of legal professionals and ensuring access to justice for all.
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