BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arrest of More Than One Hundred People for Allegedly Chanting “Joy Bangla”

Paris, France | 2 June 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the arrest, detention, and prosecution under the Anti-Terrorism Act of more than one hundred individuals across Bangladesh during the tenure of the current BNP-led government for allegedly chanting the slogan “Joy Bangla.”

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over the Suspension of the Screening of Bonolota Express in Brahmanbaria

Paris, France | 1 June 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, outrage, and strong protest over the suspension of the scheduled screening of the film Bonolota Express in Brahmanbaria under fundamentalist pressure.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JMBF Publishes Special Report on Escalating Intimidation, Exclusion, and Obstruction in Bangladesh Bar Association Elections

Paris, France | 31 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today published a special report titled “Silencing the Legal Profession: Escalating Intimidation, Exclusion, and Obstruction of Bar Association Elections in Bangladesh (17 February–30 May 2026),” documenting widespread allegations of political exclusion, intimidation, and procedural obstruction in bar association elections held across Bangladesh during the reporting period.

Silencing the Legal Profession: Escalating Intimidation, Exclusion, and Obstruction of Bar Associations Election in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) documented data of irregularities of bar association elections held across Bangladesh between 17 February and 30 May 2026 under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government reveal a deeply concerning pattern of alleged political exclusion, intimidation, and suppression targeting lawyers perceived to be affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League and its allied professional groups. The reported incidents were neither isolated nor sporadic; rather, they reflected a broader and increasingly systematic trend affecting bar associations nationwide, including the highly significant Supreme Court Bar Association.

JMBF President and Secretary General Participate in the Annual General Assembly of the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme in Paris

Paris, France | 29 May 2026 — Advocate Shahanur Islam, President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), and Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of the organization, participated in the Annual General Assembly of the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH), held on 28 May 2026 at the Maison des Avocats in Paris, France.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned over the Death in Jail Custody of Former Satkhira Judge Court PP and Senior Lawyer Abdul Latif

Paris, France | 26 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong protest over the death in jail custody of Abdul Latif, former Public Prosecutor (PP) of the Satkhira Judge Court and a senior lawyer.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Rising Violence against Religious and Ethnic Minorities in Bangladesh Demands Urgent National and International Action

Paris, France | 25 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the alarming and systematic wave of violence and human rights violations committed against religious and ethnic minorities, including Indigenous communities, in Bangladesh between January and April 2026.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Detention of 2 Students and Temporary Expulsion of 4 Students on Allegations of Homosexuality at HSTU Campus in Dinajpur

Paris, France | 24 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the repressive measures taken by the administration of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU), which, in blatant violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh, existing laws, human rights, and fundamental civil liberties, detained and handed over two students to the police on 19 May and temporarily expelled four students on 16 May over so-called “allegations of homosexuality.”

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over the Alarming Rise in Child Rape, Murder, and Sexual Abuse in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 22 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, strongest condemnation, and outrage over the alarming rise in child rape, murder, sexual abuse, and the ongoing brutal violence against children in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Brutal Attack and Vandalism at the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Ali Baghdadi in Mirpur, Dhaka

Paris, France | 18 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the brutal attack and vandalism carried out at the shrine of Hazrat Shah Ali Baghdadi in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday night, May 14. The violent assault on devotees during a peaceful weekly Urs gathering represents a grave attack on religious freedom, cultural heritage, and the centuries-old Sufi traditions of Bangladesh.

Statement by JMBF on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia

Paris, France | 17 May 2026: On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh and around the world who continue to face persecution, discrimination, violence, and exclusion simply because of who they are.

Obstructing Bar Association Elections on Political Grounds: Is This the BNP Government’s Newly Invented Democracy?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

Throughout Bangladesh’s history, whenever democracy has weakened, the first blows have fallen upon its institutions. The judiciary, universities, the media, and professional organizations have gradually been transformed into testing grounds for political loyalty. What is currently unfolding within the country’s bar associations is merely a new version of the same dangerous trend established during the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns Persecution of Students in Dhaka Over Allegations of Homosexuality

Paris, France | 15 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the detention, mental torture, handover to police, sentencing through a mobile court, and cancellation of dormitory seats of several students at the Government Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College in Dhaka on allegations of “homosexuality.” JMBF states that this incident constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organization therefore calls for an immediate, impartial investigation and appropriate legal action against those responsible for these human rights violations.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns Exclusion of 39 Pro-Awami League Lawyers from Gazipur Bar Election

Paris, France | 14 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the reported denial of nomination papers to 39 lawyers seeking to contest the 2026 Gazipur District Bar Association election as independent candidates on the basis of their alleged political affiliation with the Bangladesh Awami League on 10 May 2026. The election is scheduled to be held on 21 May 2026.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Killing of Two Bangladeshis by BSF at the Indo-Bangla Border in Brahmanbaria

Paris, France | 12 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the killing of two Bangladeshi nationals, including college student Md Mursalin, by members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Dhajanagar-Pathariyadwar border area in Kasba upazila of Brahmanbaria on the night of 8 May 2026.

JMBF Founder President Attends International Day Against LGBTphobia Event in Paris, France

Paris, France | 11 May 2026: Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), Advocate Shahanur Islam, attended the International Day Against LGBTphobia event organized by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the historic Quai d'Orsay in Paris on Monday, 11 May 2026.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Obstruction Against Pro-Awami League Lawyers in Upcoming CDBA Election

Paris, France | 10 May 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the reported obstruction, intimidation, and assault on pro-Awami League lawyers during the nomination process for the upcoming election of the Chattogram District Bar Association (CDBA) on 4 May 2026.

JMBF Founder President Attends Active Solidarity Training in Czech Republic

Paris, France | 05 May 2026: Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, Advocate Shahanur Islam, participated in the “Active Solidarity Training” held from 28–30 April 2026 at Chata Doubravka in the Czech Republic.

The three-day international experiential training brought together participants from different European countries, including France, Germany, Hungary, Finland, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, to reflect on solidarity, equality, human rights, and civic participation in diverse societies.

JMBF Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2026

Paris, France | May 3, 2026: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound solidarity with journalists in Bangladesh who continue to endure intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention, and unjust imprisonment for the legitimate exercise of their professional duties.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Cancellation of 42 Pro-AL Lawyer Nominations in SCBA Polls

Paris, France | 28 April, 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the decision of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to cancel the nomination papers of more than 42 lawyers allegedly affiliated with the Awami League, effectively barring them from contesting the upcoming SCBA elections scheduled for May 13–14, 2026.

STATEMENT: Call to Action to Dr. Alice Edwards, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, on Her Visit to Bangladesh

Paris, France | 25 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) welcomes the visit of Dr. Alice Edwards, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, to Bangladesh at a significant moment in the country’s ongoing political transition.

During her visit, JMBF respectfully encourages Dr. Edwards to engage constructively with a broad range of civil society actors and to support efforts to strengthen a comprehensive anti-torture and human rights framework, grounded in the principles of inclusivity, independence, and impartiality.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Strong Condemnation over the Recovery of a Half-Burnt Hanging Body of a Hindu Temple Priest in Cox’s Bazar

Paris, France | 24 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and outrage over the recovery of the half-burnt and hanging body of Hindu temple priest Nayan Sadhur, three days after he went missing from the Khurushkul area of Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday, 22 April.

OPEN CALL: An Open Call to All States to Stop Facilitating US Extrajudicial Killings

Paris, France; April 23, 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), along with other 125 organizations released an open call to all States to end support for US extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and reminding States that continuing to provide support could expose them to legal responsibility. 

JMBF Participates in the 26th “Printemps des Assoces” in Paris

Paris, 20 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) participated in the 26th edition of the “Printemps des Assoces,” organized by Inter-LGBT, a leading coalition of LGBTQI+ organizations in Paris. The event was held on 18 and 19 April 2026 at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux, located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

URGENT APPEAL: Call for Appropriate Action Concerning the Torture of a Caretaker by DB Police in Pirojpur

Paris, France | 19 April 2026: In Pirojpur, Md. Yunus Fakir, a long-serving caretaker at a police officers’ mess, has allegedly been brutally tortured by Detective Branch (DB) police over accusations of theft. He was reportedly unlawfully detained, physically assaulted, and subjected to inhuman treatment, including torture by pouring melted candle wax on his genitalia. Even after the real thief was identified, the victim was denied proper medical treatment and was allegedly forced to provide false explanations about his injuries to doctors.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns Politically Motivated Cancellation of Lawyers’ Nominations in Munshiganj and Mymensingh

Paris, France | 17 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and profound outrage over the recent pattern of irregularities, discriminatory treatment against legal professionals, cancellation of candidacies of pro-Awami League lawyers solely on the basis of political ideology, obstruction of their participation in elections, and police interference in the elections of various district bar associations across Bangladesh, including Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi, Khulna, Narail, and Sunamganj, under the tenure of the newly formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government.

TESTIMONY REPORT: Political Violence, Unlawful Detention, Irregularities in Police Custody, and Inhuman Conditions in Prison in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 16 April, 2026: This human rights report, based on victim testimony, documents a continuous pattern of alleged persecution experienced by a 35-year-old man, Mohammad Salauddin, from August to November 2024. He is a graduate-educated businessman from Chattogram who, prior to his arrest, was involved in business and supply trade and was politically active as Vice President of the Chattogram North District Chhatra League and General Secretary of Raozan Upazila Chhatra League. According to his account, from 5 August 2024 onward, he had been subjected to continuous surveillance, intimidation, and threats by political opponents. This pre-incident pattern became more pronounced through a violent attack on him in the Sholoshahar area of Chattogram on the night of 31 October 2024, his forcible detention, the looting of his assets, and his subsequent handover to the police.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Obstruction to Participation of Pro-Awami League Lawyers in Bar Association Elections

Paris, France | 15 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and protest over serious allegations in recent bar association elections in Dhaka, Shariatpur, Chandpur, Dinajpur, and Naogaon, where Bangladesh Awami League-aligned lawyers and independent candidates were obstructed from participating, prevented from submitting nomination papers, and, in some cases, even subjected to physical harassment solely due to their political ideology.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strongly Condemns the Killing of a Pir in Kushtia by an Islamist Extremist Mob

Paris, France | 12 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, strong protest, and unequivocal condemnation over the brutal attack, arson, looting, and the merciless beating and hacking to death of Pir Shamim Reza, also known as Jahangir, at his shrine in Daulatpur, Kushtia on 11 April, following allegations of blasphemy by an Islamist extremist mob.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns Escalating Attacks on LGBTQ+ Communities in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 11 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and outrage over ongoing incidents of violence, harassment, arrests, and state impunity targeting gender and sexual minority communities, including gay and transgender individuals, in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern over the Passage of a Bill Granting Immunity from All Liabilities to July Protesters

Paris, France | 09 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and firm protest over the passage of the “July Mass Uprising (Protection and Liability Determination) Bill, 2026” in the National Parliament of Bangladesh on 08 April 2026 by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government under Prime Minister Md. Tarique Rahman. The bill grants immunity from all forms of civil and criminal liabilities for acts committed by participants in the July–August 2024 uprising.

JMBF Launches Urgent Campaign to End and Criminalise Conversion Therapy in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 09 April 2026:  JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has launched an urgent campaign calling on the Government of Bangladesh to end and criminalise conversion therapy targeting LGBTQI+ individuals.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Calls for Repeal of the Bill Passed in Parliament Banning Bangladesh Awami League

Paris, France | 09 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, alarm, and strong protest over the passage of the amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act on 8 April 2026 by the National Parliament of Bangladesh, which effectively imposes a permanent ban on Bangladesh Awami League—the largest, oldest, and historically significant political party that led the country’s War of Independence. This measure is not merely a political decision; rather, it is fundamentally inconsistent with the Constitution of Bangladesh, democratic principles, and international human rights standards. We consider this action to be a clearly politically motivated, repressive measure that constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental political rights of the people.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Deep Concern over Arbitrary Arrest and Due Process Violations in the Case of Former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury

Paris, France | 8 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent arrest, detention, and judicial treatment of lawyer, former Member of Parliament, and former Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. The circumstances surrounding her arrest and the legal proceedings against her raise serious and credible concerns about violations of due process, judicial fairness, and Bangladesh’s obligations under international human rights law.

URGENT APPEAL: Ensure Immediate Protection for Two Detained Lesbian Young Women in Jamalpur

Paris, France | 07 April 2026: A tenth-grade schoolgirl from Digpait D.K. School in Jamalpur Sadar and her neighbor voluntarily went into hiding on March 7 due to their mutual romantic relationship. In this regard, the minor girl’s mother, Mosammat Nazma Begum, filed a written complaint on March 7, 2026, at the Narayanpur Investigation Center, alleging that her daughter had been lured and abducted. After remaining in hiding for several days, family members contacted them via mobile phone and brought them back home. Upon their return, they were forced to separate from each other, but they refused to be apart and demanded to marry each other. At that time, the adult woman was reportedly subjected to physical abuse. Later, local residents informed the police, who arrived at the scene and took both individuals into custody at the police station.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Expulsion of a Transgender Woman from the Chhatra Dal Committee

Paris, France | April 6, 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and expresses deep concern over the expulsion of Redwan Islam, Cultural Secretary of the Chhatra Dal at Syedabad Ideal College in Kasba Upazila, Brahmanbaria, from the institution’s student committee.

URGENT APPEAL: Investigate and take legal action over alleged human rights violations by the UNO in Badalgachhi.

Paris, 05 April 2026: The allegation that a common citizen in Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon district was forcibly detained, verbally abused, and physically assaulted on 1 April 2026 by Upazila Executive Officer Israt Jahan Chhni and AC Land’s driver Sumon Hossain for peacefully expressing his views is extremely concerning. This incident is not only an act of abuse against an individual—it is a direct violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights law. In this regard, we urge you to take steps to send an urgent appeal to the concerned authorities for necessary action.

RECRUITMENT: Volunteer Research Assistant (Remote & Unpaid)

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is inviting applications from passionate and committed individuals to join our team as a Volunteer Research Assistant (Remote & Unpaid). This voluntary position aims to support documentation, research, and advocacy efforts related to human rights violations in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns New Govt’s Threats to Democracy, Human Rights, and Judicial Independence

Paris, France | 03 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, strong condemnation, and firm protest over the recommendations made on 02 April by the special committee of the National Parliament of Bangladesh to repeal the ordinances on the appointment of Supreme Court judges and the establishment of a Supreme Court Secretariat, which were enacted during the interim government. These recommendations constitute a direct assault on judicial independence and a clear attempt to weaken democratic governance.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter (January-March 2026)

The March 2026 edition (covering January to March) of the JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter reflects a period marked by both urgent human rights challenges and inspiring resilience. Throughout the first quarter of 2026, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has remained firmly committed to promoting justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights by amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and engaging with international stakeholders.

JMBF Statement on International Transgender Day of Visibility 2026

Paris, France | 31 March 2026: On the occasion of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with transgender, hijra, and gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh and around the world. This day is both a celebration of courage, resilience, and identity, and a call to confront the persistent discrimination, exclusion, and violence faced by transgender people.

JMBF Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2026

In 2025, LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh continued to face systemic and multifaceted violence, reflecting entrenched social stigma and gaps in institutional protections. During the reporting period, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) documented 260 distinct incidents affecting 426 individuals nationwide. These incidents reportedly included physical assaults, harassment, blackmail, arbitrary detention, social ostracism, and other forms of discrimination carried out by both state and non-state actors.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2026

Paris, France | 30 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has released its Annual Report 2026: “State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh under the Interim Government (January–December 2025)”, presenting a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Arrest of 2 Lawyers in Sunamganj

Paris, France | 27 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the arrest of two lawyers, Advocate Monish Kanti Dey (Mintu) and Advocate Mizanur Rahman (Shamim), and the filing of a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 27 lawyers on 26 March, following an incident in Sunamganj where lawyers paid tribute to the martyrs on the occasion of Independence and National Day by placing wreaths at the memorial and chanting patriotic slogans.

JMBF Explores Collaboration with Prison Insider France on Prison Documentation in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 18 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) held a virtual meeting with Prison Insider, France, on 18 March 2026, marking a significant step toward potential collaboration on documenting prison conditions in Bangladesh.

JMBF Leadership Bilateral Meeting with Asylum and LGBT Rights Lawyer in Paris

Paris, France | 15 March 2026: Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), along with Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JMBF, held a significant bilateral meeting in Paris with French lawyer Marion Dupourqué, a specialist in asylum law, on March 13, 2026.

BANGLADESH ALERT: Immediately Release Imprisoned Sick, Elderly, and Female Journalists

Paris, France | Date: 12 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the continued detention of several prominent senior journalists in Bangladesh for more than a year without trial in politically motivated cases solely because of their professional work.

CIRCULAR FOR RECRUITMENT: Volunteer Research Assistant (Remote)

Focus Area: Torture, Extrajudicial Killings & Custodial Death in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is inviting applications from passionate and committed individuals to join our team as Volunteer. Research Assistant (Remote). This voluntary position aims to support documentation, research, and advocacy efforts related to torture, extrajudicial killings, and custodial deaths in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT: JMBF's Statement on the International Women’s Day 2026

Paris, France | 8 March 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its solidarity with the women and transgender women of Bangladesh who continue to strive for equality, dignity, and justice despite persistent discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Alleged Death of Police Torture in Naogaon

Paris, France | 05 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, condemnation, and strong outrage over the death of 66-year-old Abdul Hamid Dhola, who reportedly died after being kicked by police officers in Malahar Uttarpara village under Hatir Union of Mahadevpur Upazila in Naogaon district on 4 March 2026.