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. Sharif Mostafa Helal, Senior Vice President
Mr. Sharif Mostafa Helal is a distinguished development professional with more than 28 years of experience in international development and humanitarian work. Throughout his career, he has collaborated extensively with the United Nations system, the World Bank, the Government of Bangladesh, and numerous international and national non-governmental organizations.
His expertise spans a broad range of sectors, including human rights, health and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, social safety nets, rural development, and emergency response. He has a proven track record in resource mobilization, partnership development, programme management, and inter-agency collaboration.
Mr. Helal was re-elected as Senior Vice President on 1 June 2026, following his successful tenure as Vice President from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2026. In addition to his leadership role, he is the Co-founder and Chairman of JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD), where he continues to advocate for justice, equity, and human rights.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Helal has worked across diverse international contexts, including South Sudan and Tanzania, coordinating complex multi-stakeholder programmes involving government ministries, United Nations agencies, development partners, and donors. His extensive experience has enabled him to bridge local and global perspectives in addressing critical development challenges.
An accomplished researcher and author, Mr. Helal has contributed to several reports and research publications, particularly in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Government and Politics, with research focused on the social determinants of women's reproductive healthcare in rural Bangladesh.
Through his leadership, research, and advocacy, Mr. Helal remains committed to advancing social justice, promoting human rights, and fostering sustainable development at both national and international levels.
3. Ms. Tanni Bithi Sardar, Vice President
Ms. 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), Ms. 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.
Advocate Mohammad Alamgir is a distinguished Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights defender with over two decades of professional experience in criminal law, public prosecution, and human rights advocacy. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Science and a Bachelor of Laws.
He has been a member of the Dhaka Bar Association since 2004 (Membership No. 5162) and formerly served as an Assistant Public Prosecutor at the 5th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, Dhaka (2009–2024).
Since June 1, 2023, Advocate Alamgir has been serving as the Secretary General of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)—a France-based human rights organization committed to promoting justice, equality, and the protection of marginalized communities, including LGBTQI+ persons and victims of political or religious persecution in Bangladesh.
Throughout his career, Advocate Alamgir has built a strong record in criminal litigation, human rights defence, public-interest advocacy, and institutional monitoring. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. He has combined rigorous courtroom representation with grassroots and international advocacy to defend victims of political, religious, and social persecution, and to document human rights violations in Bangladesh.
As a practising lawyer, he regularly represents victims of political and religious violence, targeted minorities, and other vulnerable individuals before the Dhaka courts. His expertise spans case preparation, criminal complaints, petition drafting, and oral advocacy before trial and sessions courts. His prosecutorial background has equipped him with comprehensive knowledge of criminal procedures, evidence management, and courtroom advocacy—forming a solid foundation for his later human rights work.
In his current role at JMBF, Advocate Alamgir leads initiatives to monitor, document, and report human rights violations. He prepares country reports, press releases, and public alerts addressing issues such as extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, attacks on activists, and systemic discrimination. He also serves as a key liaison for international NGOs and media outlets covering human rights in Bangladesh, and contributes to JMBF’s periodic publications, including newsletters and annual reports.
A vocal advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, he has publicly defended members of sexual and gender minority communities, highlighting legal and structural vulnerabilities that expose them to harassment and violence. His advocacy has helped raise international awareness of the human rights challenges faced by LGBTQI+ persons in Bangladesh.
In addition, Advocate Alamgir provides legal aid, counselling, and community outreach to victims of injustice who lack access to safe or affordable legal representation. He assists clients in filing complaints, navigating court procedures, and liaising with national and international human rights organizations for protection and redress.
Through his enduring commitment to justice and human rights, Advocate Mohammad Alamgir has become a respected voice in the field of human rights law. His work continues to inspire legal professionals and defenders of human dignity both in Bangladesh and abroad.
5. Ms. Fatema Khatun, Treasurer
She graduated in Social Science from National University, Bangladesh, and has been actively involved in social work since 2006. Throughout her career, she has championed human rights, women's rights, and community development initiatives, promoting equality, dignity, and social inclusion.
Since 2009, Fatema Khatun has served as the Editor of Amader Kotha, a France-based Bengali newspaper that highlights issues affecting the Bangladeshi diaspora while promoting social, cultural, and community awareness.
Her leadership and organizational abilities have also been recognized in the field of sports administration. Since 2022, she has been serving as a Member of the Director Committee of the France Cricket Board, contributing to the growth and development of cricket within the community.
On 1 June 2026, Fatema Khatun was elected Treasurer of Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). In this role, she oversees the organization's financial management and supports its mission of promoting justice, human rights, community empowerment, and social development among Bangladeshis in France and beyond.
Through her work in journalism, social advocacy, and community leadership, Fatema Khatun continues to make meaningful contributions to society and remains committed to advancing the values of justice, equality, and human dignity.
6. Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus, Assistant Secretary General
Her commitment to community service and advocacy has earned her a respected position among social activists working for the welfare of Bangladeshis both in France and abroad. She has actively participated in various initiatives focused on human rights, social development, and community engagement.
On 1 June 2026, Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus was elected Assistant Secretary General of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Prior to this appointment, she served as a Member of the Executive Committee of JMBF for a three-year term from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2026, where she contributed significantly to the organization's activities and development.
In her current leadership role, Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus contributes to organizational development, strategic planning, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting legal awareness, defending human rights, and supporting community welfare initiatives in both France and Bangladesh.
Through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice and equality, Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus continues to play an important role in advancing the mission and vision of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France and fostering positive change within the community.
7. Mr. Anisur Rahman, Executive Member
Mr. Anisur Rahman is a dedicated Bangladeshi human rights and social justice activist known for his strong commitment to promoting equality, justice, and community empowerment. With a deep sense of social responsibility, he has been actively involved in raising awareness about human rights issues and supporting initiatives aimed at protecting the dignity and rights of marginalized communities. His advocacy work reflects his passion for fairness, inclusion, and positive social change.
On June 1, 2023, he was elected as a Member of the Executive Committee of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France(JMBF). In this role, Md. Anisur Rahman contributes to the organization’s strategic direction and program implementation, working collaboratively to advance human rights advocacy, legal awareness, and social justice initiatives within Bangladesh and beyond.
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