JMBF Leadership Bilateral Meeting with Asylum and LGBT Rights Lawyer in Paris

Paris, France | 15 March 2026: Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), along with Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JMBF, held a significant bilateral meeting in Paris with French lawyer Marion Dupourqué, a specialist in asylum law, on March 13, 2026.

The meeting followed a professional outreach by Maître Dupourqué, who was introduced to Advocate Shahanur Islam through Eric de l’Ardhis. In her communication, she expressed her commitment to working with the Bangladeshi LGBT community in France and emphasized the importance of exchanging insights on the current situation faced by asylum seekers.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Calls for Stronger International Action on LGBTI Rights in Bangladesh

Paris, France | 04 February 2026: Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights defender, 2023 Laureate of the French Marianne Initiative for Human Rights Defenders and Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has called for stronger international engagement to address the deteriorating situation of LGBTI rights in Bangladesh under the current interim government led by former Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.

JMBF Leadership Attends New Year Dialogue with French Parliamentarian in Paris

Paris, France | 6 January 2025: The leadership of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) participated in a New Year dialogue with Mr. Pouria Amirshahi, President of the French-Bangladesh Friendship Group at the French National Parliament, in Paris on January 05, 2026.

The meeting brought together key representatives of JMBF, including Mr. Robert Jan Paul Simon, Chief Adviser; Advocate Shahanur Islam, President; Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General; Mr. Moynuddin Khan, Treasurer; and Ms. Jannatul Ferdaus, Member of the Executive Committee.

JMBF Founder President Raises Concern at UN Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland; November 27, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)’s Founder President, Advocate Shahanur Islam, delivered a strong oral statement on 27 November 2025 at the United Nations 18th Forum on Minority Issues, highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation facing minority communities in Bangladesh. During his statement, he expressed deep concern over the increasing levels of discrimination, intimidation, and targeted persecution.

Bangladesh Rights Abuses Raised at UN: JMBF President Meets OHCHR and Special Rapporteur in Geneva

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Geneva, Switzerland; October 2, 2025: The worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh has been brought before top UN officials in Geneva, as Advocate Shahanur Islam, President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), held bilateral meeting with senior representatives of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

FRANCE: JMBF and SIL Participate in “Paris Parade 2025” — The Largest Annual LGBTQI+ March in Paris

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’.

Paris, France; June 29, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), the only France-based human rights organization advocating for the rights of Bangladeshi LGBTQI+ individuals, and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL), an organization working globally for LGBTQI+ rights, proudly participated in “Paris Parade 2025,” the largest annual LGBTQI+ march held in Paris.

The vibrant event took place on June 28, beginning at 2 PM from the historic Louvre Museum and continuing to Nation Square, bringing together a sea of participants in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

JMBF Raises Alarm Over Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh During Meeting with French Foreign Ministry

"Please read the French and Bengali versions below"

Paris, France | April 30, 2025 — ​JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, has expressed serious concerns over the escalating human rights crisis in Bangladesh during a bilateral meeting with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.​

On April 29, 2025, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder-President of JMBF, met in Paris with Madame Marjorie Verley, Deputy Head of the South Asia Division and Head of the Bangladesh Desk at the French Foreign Ministry. The meeting focused on what JMBF described as a pattern of "widespread and systematic repression" under the country's interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.​

JMBF Founder President Holds Bilateral Meeting with French Embassy in Dhaka

Paris, France; April 02, 2025: Advocate Shahanur Islam, a prominent Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and the founder president of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), held a virtual bilateral meeting with Madame Emilie Palahouane, Political Affairs and Cooperation Attachée of the Embassy of France in Dhaka on Thursday morning.

During the one-and-a-half-hour discussion, Mr. Islam provided an overview of the human rights situation in Bangladesh under the current interim government, led by former Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. 

Human Rights Day 2024: JMBF Founder Highlights Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh at Paris Event

Paris, December 12, 2024 – In celebration of Human Rights Day 2024, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), participated in a high-profile event at the Hôtel du Ministre, Quai d'Orsay, Paris, on December 10, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, the event convened prominent human rights advocates, government officials, and international representatives to address global human rights challenges.

The event opened with remarks by Isabelle Rome, French Ambassador for Human Rights and former Minister for Equity, and Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, setting the stage for a series of engaging discussions moderated by Frédéric Jung, Deputy Director of the United Nations, International Organizations, Human Rights, and La Francophonie.

JMBF President Attends View Exchange Meeting with French Human Rights Ambassador

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the President of JMBF attended a significant View Exchange meeting hosted by Mrs. Isabelle Rome, the French Ambassador for Human Rights and responsible for the duty of remembrance concerning the international dimension of the Shoah and spoliations. The event took place at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and gathered former laureates of the prestigious Marianne Initiative.

The meeting offered a platform for in-depth discussions on human rights issues, with a special focus on the role of remembrance in fostering understanding of the Shoah and its lasting impact. Mrs. Rome, known for her advocacy in international human rights, led the conversation, providing insight into France's efforts to preserve the memory of historical injustices and promote human dignity.

JMBF and SIL Join Forces at Salon De Association LGBT+ in Paris, France

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) recently collaborated to participate in the Salon De Association LGBT+ organized by the Inter LGBT in Paris, France, on April 7 and 8, 2024.

Representatives including Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, Robert Simon, President of SIL, WHITNEY ANTHONY, and Hervé CALDO, Board member of SIL, were present at the event on behalf of their respective organizations amongst others.

The highlight of their joint participation was the establishment of an information booth, where JMBF and SIL showcased an array of educational materials, informational resources, and communication tools. This booth served as a hub for engaging with attendees, disseminating crucial information, and fostering dialogue on LGBTQI rights, activism, and advocacy efforts.

JMBF President Engages in Productive Dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT Rights, Fostering Progress in Bangladesh

In a significant move towards advancing SOGIE rights in Bangladesh, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBD) Founder President, Advocate Shahanur Islam, engaged in a fruitful dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT, Jean Marc Berthon, on April 2, 2024, at the ambassador's office.

Advocate Shahanur initiated the dialogue by shedding light on the current state of sexual minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly addressing prevalent misinformation campaigns targeting transgender individuals. One focal point of discussion was the concerning issue of transgender inclusion in school textbooks in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for accurate representation and education on transgender issues.

JMBF President Raises Concerns Over Hate Speech and Misinformation to French President Macron

At the culmination of the historic constitutional sealing ceremony for the right to abortion on International Women’s Day, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), engaged in a brief yet significant discussion with President Emmanuel Macron of France. The conversation, held at the iconic Place Vendôme in Paris, underscored pressing concerns regarding hate speech and misinformation originating from Bangladeshi politicians, particularly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

জেনেভায় মানবাধিকার সংলাপে বাংলাদেশী আইনজীবীর অংশগ্রহণ

জাতিসংঘ মানবাধিকার হাইকমিশন কার্যালয়ে অনুষ্ঠিত মানবাধিকার বিষয়ক সংলাপে বাংলাদেশি মানবাধিকার আইনজীবী শাহানূর ইসলাম অংশগ্রহণ করেন।

৯ জুন (শুক্রবার) সুইজারল্যাণ্ডের জেনেভায় অবস্থিত জাতিসংঘ মানবাধিকার হাই কমিশনের সদর দপ্তর উইলসন প্যালেসে তিন ঘন্টাব্যাপী সংলাপটি অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।

Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Holds Meeting with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights in Strasbourg

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a prominent Bangladeshi human rights activist, recently engaged in a productive meeting with Madam Dunja Mijatovic, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe. The multilateral discussion took place today at the European Council building in Strasbourg, France.

During the meeting, Madam Dunja Mijatovic provided a comprehensive overview of the activities conducted by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of European. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange insights and strategies related to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.

ফ্রান্সে বসবাসত বাংলাদেশী রাজনৈতিক আশ্রয়প্রার্থী ও শরনার্থীদের সার্বিক উন্নয়নে কাজ করতে আগ্রহী ফ্রান্স –তেরে-এজাইল।

শরনার্থীদের অধিকার নিয়ে কাজ করা ফ্রান্সের অন্যতম বৃহৎ অলাভজনক সংস্থা ফ্রান্স –তেরে-এজাইল (এফটিএ) এবং প্রস্তাবিত মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) ফ্রান্সে বসবাসরত বাংলাদেশী রাজনৈতিক আশ্রয়প্রার্থী ও শরনার্থীদের অধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠা ও জীবন মান উন্নয়নে একযোগে কাজ করতে সম্মত হয়েছে।

Head of Inter-Ministerial Delegation Welcomes Human Rights Activists in France

মানবাধিকারকর্মীদের অভ্যর্থনা জানালেন ফ্রান্স আন্তঃমন্ত্রণালয় ডেলিগেশন প্রধান।

On May 10th, Alain Régnier, the head of the Inter-Ministerial Delegation for the Reception and Integration of Refugees in France, welcomed 14 human rights activists from around the world to a luncheon at the building of French Ministry of the Interior.

ফ্রান্সে শরণার্থীদের অভ্যর্থনা ও একীকরণ বিষয়ক আন্তঃমন্ত্রণালয় ডেলিগেশন মেরিয়েন ইনিশিয়েটিভ ফর হিউম্যান রাইটস ডিফেন্ডার্স বিজয়ী মানবাধিকারকর্মীদের অভ্যর্থনা জানিয়েছেন। গত ১০ মে (মঙ্গলবার) ফ্রান্স স্বরাষ্ট্র বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয় ভবনে সারা বিশ্ব থেকে আগত ১৪ মানবাধিকারকর্মীকে মধ্যাহ্নভোজে অংশগ্রহনের মাধ্যমে অভ্যর্থনা জানানো হয়।

Bangladeshi Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam Meets with French Professor Dr. Philippe Benoit

Prominent Bangladeshi human rights activist and lawyer advocate Shahanur Islam and French human rights activist and Professor Dr. Philippe Benoit attended a bilateral meeting in Paris to discuss ongoing human rights violations in Bangladesh on yesterday 5th May. The meeting was also attended by Moinuddin Khan, a Bangladeshi human rights activist living in Paris.

Bangladeshi human rights lawyer Met with French Foreign Ministry in Paris

ফ্রান্স পররাস্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়ের দক্ষিন এশিয়া বিষয়ক প্রধানের সাথে বাংলাদেশী মানবাধিকার আইনজীবী শাহানূর ইসলামের বৈঠক।

Yesterday, an informal meeting took place between Advocate Shahanur Islam, the founder and Secretary General of Justice Makers Bangladesh, and Timothee Truelly, the South Asia Affairs Officer of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs. They met at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs building in Paris to discuss a range of important topics related to Bangladesh.

গতকাল ২৫ এপ্রিল (মঙ্গগলবার) ফ্রান্স পররাষ্ট্র ও ইউরোপ বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয়ের দক্ষিন এশিয়া বিষয়ক প্রদান টিমোথি ট্রুয়েলী’র সাথে জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা মহাসচিব এবং বিশিষ্ট বাংলাদেশী মানবাধিকারকর্মী ও আইনজীবী অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানূর ইসলাম’র অনানুষ্ঠানিক বৈঠক অনুষ্টিত হয়েছে। পারিসের ফ্রান্স পররাষ্ট্র ও ইউরোপ বিষয়ক মন্ত্রণালয় ভবনে গতকাল বিকাল ৩ টা থেকে ৪টা পর্যন্ত উক্ত বৈঠক অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।

সমগ্র বিশ্বের ১৪ মানবাধিকারকর্মীকে এলিসি প্রাসাদে ফ্রান্স প্রেসিডেন্টের সংবর্ধনা প্রদান

গত ১৭ মার্চ ২০২৩, শুক্রবারে ফ্রান্স প্রেসিডেন্ট ইমানুয়েল ম্যাক্রো প্যারিসের এলিসিয়ে প্রাসাদে সারা বিশ্ব থেকে আগত চৌদ্দ জন মানবাধিকারকর্মীকে সংবর্ধনা প্রদান করেন। বাংলাদেশের বিশিষ্ট মানবাধিকার আইনজীবী এবং জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশের প্রতিষ্ঠাতা শাহানুর ইসলাম ছিলেন তাদের একজন।

ফ্রান্স পররাষ্ট্র ও ইউরোপিয়ান ইউনিয়ন বিষয়ক মন্ত্রী ক্যাথেরিন কলোনা, স্বরাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রনালয়ের সচিব সোনিয়া ব্যাকস, ফ্রান্স মানবাধিকার এম্বাসেডর ডেলফিন বরিওন এবং ফ্রান্স শরণার্থী অভ্যর্থনা এবং একীকরণের জন্য আন্তঃমন্ত্রণালয়ের প্রধান অ্যালাইন রেগনিয়ার সংবর্ধনা অনুষ্ঠানে উপস্থিত ছিলেন।