JMBF Urges EU Action to Lift the Awami League Ban, Overturn Death Sentences Against Its Leaders, End Political Persecution, and Address Grave Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh
During the meeting, Mr. Islam raised grave concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh since August 2024, particularly the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League, death sentences against its leadership, widespread political persecution, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, torture, mob violence, restrictions on democratic freedoms, persecution of journalists and lawyers, and increasing threats against vulnerable and marginalised communities.
The JMBF delegation comprised Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President; Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General; Mr. Sata Ali Suman, Patron; and Mr. Jewel Rana and Mr. Mahmudul Hasan, Members of JMBF.
The delegation formally submitted a comprehensive briefing note entitled “Human Rights Concerns in Bangladesh Since the Change of Government in August 2024,” documenting reported violations between August 2024 and October 2026 and recommending stronger European Union engagement.
The delegation also handed over six thematic reports published by JMBF, addressing extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths under the interim government; the crackdown on the independence of lawyers; the state of LGBTQI+ rights; violence against garment workers; the systematic intimidation of legal professionals; and the alleged government-driven media blackout on JMBF's human rights reporting in Bangladesh.
Mr. Islam highlighted JMBF's monitoring findings indicating that more than 400,000 Awami League leaders, activists and supporters, including 135 members of parliament, were reportedly arrested between August 2024 and September 2026.
He expressed grave concern over the ban on Awami League activities, the party's exclusion from electoral participation, politically motivated prosecutions, and the alleged misuse of counterterrorism legislation to suppress political opposition.
The delegation urged the European Commission to advocate the immediate lifting of the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League, the restoration of inclusive political participation, the protection of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and an end to politically motivated persecution and collective punishment.
JMBF also raised serious concerns over 23 death sentences imposed by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunals against 22 distinct individuals, including former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and several other Awami League leaders and affiliated individuals, in cases relating to the July–August 2024 uprising.
Mr. Islam questioned the independence and impartiality of the tribunals, particularly the imposition of death sentences following trials conducted in absentia, allegations of politically motivated prosecutions, and inadequate safeguards to ensure compliance with internationally recognised standards of due process and fair trial.
He emphasised that accountability for alleged crimes against humanity must be pursued through independent, impartial and credible judicial proceedings rather than retaliatory justice. JMBF called for independent judicial review of contested proceedings, an immediate moratorium on executions, and the eventual abolition of the death penalty.
The delegation expressed serious concern about alleged extrajudicial killings, torture, deaths in detention and the denial of adequate medical treatment to prisoners.
The briefing highlighted reports of at least 251 prison deaths between January and September 2026, alongside severe prison overcrowding, inadequate healthcare and allegations of medical negligence.
Mr. Islam also presented JMBF's findings documenting at least 187 children arrested on political grounds between April and September 2026, including 127 reportedly charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
He highlighted the persecution of Bangladesh's legal community, particularly the arrest and prolonged detention of Barrister Tureen Afroz, who, according to information presented by JMBF, has remained in detention for more than a year without trial.
The delegation warned that politically motivated arrests, intimidation and prolonged detention of lawyers threaten the independence of the legal profession, undermine access to justice and weaken the rule of law.
JMBF raised concerns about attacks against journalists, human rights defenders, teachers, students and workers, as well as sexual violence against children, violence against women and girls, and persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals and members of Bangladesh's hijra community.
Mr. Islam particularly highlighted the prolonged detention of journalist Farzana Rupa, who has reportedly remained imprisoned for approximately two years without trial. He expressed concern that her detention and prosecution may be connected to her professional journalistic activities, raising serious questions about press freedom and freedom of expression.
He also drew attention to the reported rise of religious extremism, intolerance and violence associated with allegations of blasphemy.
In this context, Mr. Islam highlighted the reported killing of Wahizzaman Shamim in Satkhira on 13 October 2026, allegedly by individuals associated with Islamist extremist groups, including local leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He called for an independent and impartial investigation into the killing and accountability for those found responsible, regardless of their political or religious affiliations.
The delegation emphasised that religious extremism, mob violence and attacks carried out in the name of religion threaten fundamental freedoms, public safety and the protection of human rights.
JMBF urged the European Union to integrate measurable human rights commitments into its diplomatic, trade and development engagement with Bangladesh and strengthen cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
During the bilateral meeting, Mr. Fausto Matos attentively listened to and took note of the concerns presented by Mr. Islam and the JMBF delegation.
Mr. Matos assured Mr. Islam that he would discuss the issues internally with relevant colleagues within the European Commission to explore possible steps that could be taken to address the concerns raised.
He also encouraged JMBF to maintain regular communication and provide updated information, documented incidents, monitoring reports and other relevant developments concerning the human rights situation in Bangladesh.
In response, Mr. Islam welcomed Mr. Matos's constructive engagement and expressed appreciation for his willingness to bring the concerns to the attention of relevant European Commission officials.
He assured Mr. Matos that JMBF would systematically share credible documentation, human rights monitoring reports, urgent appeals and significant developments concerning ongoing human rights violations in Bangladesh.
Both sides expressed their willingness to maintain communication and facilitate regular information-sharing to support continued consideration of human rights concerns.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that JMBF would continue providing relevant information to Mr. Matos, while the issues presented would be discussed internally with appropriate European Commission colleagues.
JMBF considers this engagement an important step towards strengthening dialogue with European institutions and encouraging sustained international attention to human rights protection, accountability, democratic freedoms and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
***************************************************
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 marginalised communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).
