JMBF & SIL Jointly Participate in LGBTQI+ Associations Fair in Paris

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), in collaboration with Solidarity International LGBTQI+ (SIL), participated in the "Salon des Associations LGBTQI+" held at Espace des Blancs Manteaux in Paris on April 5–6, 2025. Organized by Inter-LGBTQI+, the annual event gathered around 80 LGBTQI+ organizations from across France and beyond to celebrate diversity, share experiences, and strengthen international solidarity.

During the event, Advocate Shahanur Islam highlighted the ongoing deterioration of human rights for LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, particularly under the current interim government. He used this opportunity to inform participants about the escalating challenges faced by the community and to urge the international community and human rights stakeholders to stand in solidarity and advocate for justice and protection.

At their vibrant and informative booth, JMBF and SIL displayed a range of awareness materials, including flyers, JMBF’s quarterly activity report, their recent publication titled State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh, and other IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials. Visitors engaged with the representatives to learn about the organizations’ work and the situation for LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and Founder President of JMBF, personally attended the event and shared alarming insights into the deteriorating human rights situation for LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh, especially under the current interim government.

“We are facing one of the most difficult times for LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh,” said Advocate Islam. “Arbitrary arrests, harassment, and threats have become increasingly common. Through this platform, we are calling on the international community to raise their voices and hold the authorities accountable.”

Mr. Hervé Caldo, Board Member of Solidarity International LGBTQI+, echoed the importance of transnational solidarity in the fight for equality and human rights.

“Solidarity has no borders. What happens in Bangladesh affects us all. We stand firmly with our partners at JMBF and urge institutions, NGOs, and human rights defenders worldwide to support their advocacy,” said Mr. Hervé.

The event marked a significant opportunity for JMBF to build connections, share stories of resilience, and call for urgent international attention to the plight of LGBTQI+ individuals in South Asia.

The participation of JMBF in this international platform underscores their continued commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in Bangladesh and fostering global networks of support for LGBTQI+ rights. 

************************************************ 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.