A. ADVISORY BORD
1. Robert Simon, Chief Adviser
Mr. Robert Simon, Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, is a distinguished French human rights defender with over 40 years of experience promoting human rights, democracy, justice, equality, and the rule of law. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to LGBTQI+ rights, he has played a pivotal role in advancing inclusion and dignity for marginalized communities worldwide.
Deeply inspired by the philosophy of non-violence, he has consistently championed peaceful movements for social change. As the founder of Solidarity International LGBTQI+, Robert has built strong global networks of support and advocacy, making him a respected voice in the fight for human rights and social justice. Over the decades, he has advised grassroots movements, supported international campaigns, and worked closely with organizations defending vulnerable populations. His lifelong dedication reflects not only a professional commitment but also a personal conviction that justice and equality must be universal values, transcending borders and cultures.
B. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
1. Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President
Shahanur has provided direct legal support to the Bangladesh Court for Criminal Justice and served as the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR). Currently, he resides in Paris as a laureate of the 2023 Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders, an honor initiated by the President of France in 2021.
With over 18 years of dedicated service in human rights, the rule of law, criminal justice, good governance, and advocacy at both national and international levels, Shahanur has focused on advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals who have suffered various forms of violations, particularly those from ethnic, religious, political, and sexual minority communities. He is committed to seeking justice for victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, involuntary disappearances, and organized violence in Bangladesh by providing pro bono legal support.
Shahanur's work extends beyond court representation. He actively monitors the human rights situation in Bangladesh, documents violations, prepares monitoring reports, and conducts fact-finding investigations by visiting scenes of human rights abuses. He issues urgent appeals, brings these issues to the attention of relevant authorities, and frequently releases press statements to raise awareness about specific human rights violations.
Shahanur has honed his skills through various capacity-building training programs on health, human rights, legal rights, and legal proceedings. He participates in seminars, meetings, and workshops both within Bangladesh and internationally. Notably, he was the first lawyer in Bangladesh to file cases against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and military personnel for torture-induced killings, all on a pro bono basis. He has also been a pioneering advocate for the recognition of LGBT rights in Bangladesh, making his voice heard in the Dutch Parliament and the European Parliament.
Despite facing numerous challenges and threats, including death threats, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and harassment, Shahanur remains undeterred in his mission to combat torture, extrajudicial killings, and organized violence, and to uphold the rights of ethnic, religious, social, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. In recognition of his efforts, he was honored with the JusticeMakers Fellowship in 2010 by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), Switzerland.
Shahanur Islam's unwavering dedication and courageous efforts have made a significant impact on the human rights landscape in Bangladesh and beyond.
2. Mr. XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX, Vice President
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the vice president is kept undisclosed.
3. Mrs. Tanni Bithi Sardar, Vice President
Mrs. Tanni Bithi Sardar brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in advocating for women’s rights and LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh. Now residing in France, Mrs. Sardar continues her steadfast commitment to social justice, tirelessly promoting and protecting the rights of marginalized communities. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate and influential advocate for gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights, addressing critical issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and social exclusion. Her efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive society. She has collaborated with numerous local and international organizations to create safe spaces and support systems for women and sexual minorities, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
As Vice President of Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), Mrs. Sardar plays a crucial leadership role in advancing the organization’s mission to defend human rights, fight for social justice, and empower communities. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by women and sexual minorities make her an invaluable asset to JMBF. Under her guidance, the organization continues to champion equality and justice, striving to make a significant impact both in Bangladesh and internationally. Her lifelong dedication to human rights advocacy has made a profound difference, inspiring meaningful change in the fight for equality.
4. Mr. Moynudding Khan, Treasurer
Moynuddin Khan is a distinguished Bangladeshi labor and human rights activist currently based in Paris, France, with over three decades of dedicated advocacy for garment factory workers in Bangladesh. His relentless efforts have been crucial in addressing severe issues such as poor working conditions, low wages, and inadequate safety measures. Khan's advocacy has effectively garnered international attention to these critical issues, leading to meaningful improvements in the lives of garment workers and significant reforms enhancing their rights and safety.
In his role as Treasurer of Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), Khan plays a vital role in managing the organization’s financial resources to support its mission of defending human rights, promoting social justice, and empowering marginalized communities. His profound experience and deep insight into the challenges faced by garment workers make him an invaluable asset to JMBF. Under his leadership, the organization strives to advance its objectives, aiming for a substantial impact both in Bangladesh and on the global stage. Khan’s steadfast commitment to labor rights, LGBTQI+ rights, and social justice highlights his influential role in the global struggle for workers' rights and equity.
5. Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the Secretary-General is kept undisclosed.
6. Ms. XXXXXX XXXXXX, Assistant Secretary General
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the executive members is kept undisclosed.
7. Mr. XXXXX XXXXXXX, Executive Member
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the executive members is kept undisclosed.
8. Mrs. XXXXXXX XXXXX, Executive Member
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the executive members is kept undisclosed.
9. Mrs. XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX, Executive Member
Due to the current situation and physical security concerns, the name and introduction of the executive members is kept undisclosed.
C. GENERAL MEMBER
1. Md. Mizanur Rahman
2. Sofiq Ahmad
3. Abdullah Al Mamun
