JMBF Strongly Condemns the Alleged Politically Motivated Attack and Calls for an Independent Investigation, Accountability and Immediate Protection for the Victims
The victims—Advocate Sanowar Mallik, Advocate Shahin Khan and Advocate Tania Sultana—are members of the Shariatpur District Advocate Bar Association and the Bangabandhu Awami Ainjibi Parishad, an organisation of lawyers affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League.
According to information received by JMBF and Bangladeshi media reports, the incident followed a programme organised by several lawyers in connection with the birthday of Bangladesh Awami League leader and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. BNP leaders, activists and supporters subsequently held a protest procession on the court premises, reportedly led by Mahbub Morshed, General Secretary of the Shariatpur Sadar Upazila BNP.
During the procession, Mahbub Morshed, his son Mihir and several others allegedly assaulted Advocate Sanowar Mallik without provocation on the staircase of the District and Sessions Judge’s Court building. He was reportedly dragged in front of the building and beaten with iron rods, sustaining injuries to different parts of his body. Fearing further attacks, he reportedly received treatment at a private local clinic rather than being admitted to a hospital and subsequently went into hiding.
Following the procession, approximately 30 to 35 BNP leaders, activists, supporters and affiliated lawyersreportedly entered the chambers of Advocate Shahin Khan and Advocate Tania Sultana. Shahin Khan reportedly sought refuge in a toilet, but the attackers allegedly broke down the door and physically assaulted him and Tania Sultana. They were also subjected to verbal abuse, and their chambers were reportedly vandalised.
JMBF is particularly alarmed that the reported violence occurred on court premises, which must remain safe, independent and free from partisan intimidation. Any politically motivated violence against lawyers threatens not only the victims but also the independence of the legal profession, the administration of justice and the rule of law.
JMBF stresses that a lawyer’s actual, alleged or perceived political affiliation can never justify violence, intimidation, harassment or retaliation. Lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties and exercise their fundamental rights without fear of politically motivated attacks.
JMBF Calls Upon the Government of Bangladesh and Relevant Authorities To:
1. Immediately conduct an independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigation into the assaults and vandalism and bring all those responsible to justice, irrespective of political affiliation, professional status or influence;
2. Provide immediate and effective protection to Advocate Sanowar Mallik, Advocate Shahin Khan and Advocate Tania Sultana and their families against further attacks, threats, harassment or reprisals;
3. Ensure Advocate Sanowar Mallik has safe access to necessary medical treatment and can return from hiding without fear of further violence or retaliation;
4. Investigate the alleged involvement of BNP leaders, activists, supporters and affiliated lawyers without political interference and ensure accountability through due process;
5. Guarantee the security and political neutrality of court and bar association premises and prevent their use for partisan violence, intimidation or retaliation; and
6. Protect the safety, independence and professional freedom of all lawyers in Bangladesh, regardless of their actual, alleged or perceived political affiliation or opinion.
JMBF recalls the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which require authorities to ensure that lawyers can perform their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference and are adequately safeguarded when their security is threatened.
JMBF further urges the United Nations Human Rights Council, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, the European Union, relevant intergovernmental organisations, international human rights organisations, and diplomatic missions in Bangladesh to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate steps within their respective mandates to press for an independent investigation, effective protection for the affected lawyers and accountability for those responsible.
JMBF calls on international actors to continue monitoring attacks and intimidation against members of Bangladesh’s legal profession and to engage with the Government of Bangladesh to safeguard the independence of lawyers, the security of judicial institutions and the rule of law.
In Solidarity,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB premises
180 Boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
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JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan international human rights organization registered in France under the French Association Law of 1901 (Registration No. W931027714), committed to defending human rights, promoting social justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).
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