Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Police Brutality Against Anti-Rape Protesters in Dhaka

Paris, France | 14 March 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, vehemently condemns the brutal police attack on peaceful student protesters demonstrating against violence against women in Dhaka on March 11, 2025. The violent suppression of their democratic right to protest and the subsequent criminalization of student protesters through fabricated charges under the Bangladesh Penal Code constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

JMBF asserts that, at a time when students are demanding justice and accountability, the Bangladeshi authorities have resorted to violent repression, further exposing the state's systemic failure to address violence against women. The police's disproportionate use of force against protesters and the arbitrary filing of criminal charges against student leaders are deeply concerning and an outright attack on democratic principles.

According to information received by JMBF from reliable sources, as well as news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, JMBF has learned that on March 11, 2025, around 3:35 PM, a group of 70-80 protesters—including members from various student organizations—marched from the Shahbagh intersection towards the Chief Adviser's residence (Jamuna) as part of the anti-rape protest. As they reached the Intercontinental Hotel intersection, police, stationed under the Ramna Model Police Station, attempted to intercept them. The situation turned violent when the police sought to prevent the protesters from blocking the road, resulting in clashes between the two groups, with several protesters and police officers injured during the altercation.

Later, the police filed a First Information Report (FIR) in the evening, naming 12 students and accusing 70-80 unnamed protesters of attacking police officers and engaging in unlawful assembly and rioting under Sections 143, 147, 149, 186, 332, 333, 353, 109, and 34 of the Bangladesh Penal Code.

Robert Simon, Prominent French Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, "The brutal suppression of young student protesters demanding justice for victims of sexual violence is unacceptable. Instead of ensuring the protection of women and prosecuting rapists, the Bangladeshi authorities are targeting those who raise their voices for justice. We stand in solidarity with the student protesters and call for the immediate withdrawal of all fabricated charges against them."

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, added, "This incident exemplifies the deep-rooted culture of impunity in Bangladesh, where law enforcement agencies routinely use excessive force to silence dissent. The criminalization of student protesters through politically motivated charges is a direct attack on the right to peaceful assembly. JMBF calls on the Bangladeshi government to end the persecution of protesters, drop all false charges, and hold those responsible for police violence accountable."

JMBF Demands:

• Immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all fabricated charges against the 12 named students and 70-80 unnamed protesters.
• An independent investigation into the police brutality against peaceful protesters, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
• Protection of human rights defenders, activists, and students exercising their democratic right to protest.
• The resignation of the Home Adviser for failing to ensure justice for survivors of violence against women and for suppressing peaceful protests.
• Urgent reforms to Bangladesh’s justice system to prevent the misuse of legal provisions against peaceful assembly and demonstrations.

JMBF urges the international community, human rights organizations, and democratic governments to pressure Bangladesh to end its repressive tactics against activists and ensure justice for victims of sexual violence. The right to protest must be protected, and state violence against peaceful demonstrations must not go unpunished.

We stand in solidarity with the brave student activists who refuse to be silenced in their fight for justice.

For More Information:

Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus

Chief Coordinator & Member of Executive Committee

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France

Email: jannatul.ferdaus@jmbf.org, info@jmbf.org

Website: www.jmbf.org 

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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.