JMBF Raises Grave Concerns Over Alleged Violations of International Fair Trial Standards and Calls for an Immediate Moratorium on Executions
Paris, France | 29 October 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the allegedly politically motivated death sentence imposed on Bangladesh Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif by International Crimes Tribunal-2 on 29 October 2026, following a trial conducted in his absence.JMBF also expresses grave concern over the sentences of imprisonment for the remainder of their natural lives imposed on three other Awami League leaders—Sadar Uddin Khan, Asgar Ali, and Ataur Rahman—who were also tried in absentia.
JMBF emphasises that imposing capital punishment following proceedings conducted in the absence of the accused raises serious concerns about compliance with internationally recognised minimum standards of fair trial, particularly the rights to meaningful participation in proceedings, effective legal representation, an adequate defence, and judicial review, as protected under Articles 6 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
While international law does not categorically prohibit trials in absentia, such proceedings must comply with strict procedural safeguards. JMBF expresses serious concern over allegations that these essential safeguards were not adequately observed and calls for an independent and impartial investigation into potential violations of international fair trial standards.
JMBF reiterates its unconditional opposition to the death penalty and emphasises that politically sensitive prosecutions must remain free from political interference, selective justice, and violations of due process.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, stated,“The imposition of a death sentence following a trial in absentia raises grave concerns about the right to life and fundamental guarantees of a fair trial. Justice must never become an instrument of political retaliation. Those responsible for serious crimes must be held accountable through independent, impartial, and fair judicial proceedings that comply with international standards. No one should be denied the fundamental right to a fair trial because of their political affiliation.”
JMBF urgently calls upon the Government of Bangladesh to:
- Immediately halt the implementation of the death sentence against Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif.
- Ensure an independent and impartial judicial review of the convictions and sentences imposed on all four defendants.
- Guarantee internationally recognised fair trial standards, including effective remedies for proceedings conducted in absentia.
- Establish an immediate moratorium on executions, with a view to the complete abolition of the death penalty.
- Ensure judicial independence and impartial accountability for all human rights violations, regardless of political affiliation.
JMBF urges the United Nations, particularly the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, to closely monitor these proceedings, examine allegations of fair trial violations, and engage with the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure compliance with international human rights obligations.
Justice must be impartial, due process must be guaranteed, and the right to life must be protected without discrimination.
In solidarity,
Advocate Mohammad Alamgir
Secretary General
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
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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 marginalised communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).
