How the Yunus-Led Interim Government Has Turned Justice into a Tool of Political Repression in Bangladesh

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

I. The Criminalization of Law and Lawyers

It began, as so many stories of injustice do, with a courtroom and a promise of fairness that never came.

Instead of being released on bail granted by the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, on 4 September 2025, Khodadad Khan Pitu (60), former President of the Naogaon District Bar Association and President of the Human Rights Lawyers’ Forum, Naogaon, was re-arrested by Naogaon Sadar police from the gate of Naogaon District Jail. On 5 September, he was produced before the court in connection with a 2024 case filed over an incident in 2022 under the Explosive Substances Act, and the court ordered him sent to jail.

One Year of the Yunus Regime: Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Persist in Bangladesh

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By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, following the collapse of the Awami League administration, expectations ran high. The leadership pledged to strengthen democracy, restore the rule of law, and protect human rights. Yet, one year on, evidence suggests that these aspirations remain far from realized.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Bangladesh recorded sixty incidents of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths, resulting in seventy victims, according to monitoring by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Of these, thirty-three incidents were linked to law enforcement and security forces, accounting for forty-three deaths, while twenty-seven deaths occurred inside prisons. These figures point to persistent structural weaknesses within the justice and security systems.

State-Sponsored Massacre in Gopalganj: A Human Rights Catastrophe Behind the Mask of the Yunus Administration

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

July 16, 2025, will be remembered as another blood-stained black day in Bangladesh’s history. On this day, under the command of the interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus—an administration that came to power promising rule of law, democracy, and human rights—the military, alongside the police, opened fire on unarmed civilians in Gopalganj. At least five people were killed and over a hundred injured, with many still reported missing.

They did not stop with the killings and injuries; rather, they snatched the fundamental rights of Gopalganj’s people by imposing a curfew since the day of the violence.

Bangladesh Turns into a Haven of Anarchy: The Grim Failure of the Interim Government

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

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

For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, an interim government has been formed under the leadership of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Many hoped this government would end political unrest and repression, ushering in a new era of good governance and justice. Yet, in just ten months, this government has become synonymous with suffering and disillusionment for ordinary citizens.

On July 9, 2025, in the heart of Old Dhaka, the brutal broad-daylight murder of a businessman was not merely a homicide—it was a stark, naked revelation of state failure. This failure goes beyond the cruelty of the act or the audacity of the perpetrators. It is rooted in the government’s silence, the inaction of the administration, and, above all, the arrogance of criminals operating under political protection.

Mob Violence, Impunity, and Anarchy — The Brutal Reality of the Yunus Government’s Failure

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Advocate Shahanur Islam

The people of the country had high hopes for the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. With his international reputation, commitment to human rights, and determination to avoid political bias, the nation expected stable, transparent governance. But within just 10 months, those hopes have been shattered, replaced by a terrifying reality marked by mob violence, impunity, and state indifference.

On July 3, in Koraibari village of Bangra Bazar police station in Muradnagar upazila, Comilla, a brutal mob violence incident occurred under the pretext of drug dealing. A mother and her two sons and daughters were mercilessly killed, and another daughter was seriously injured. The victim's family’s hope for justice now seems impossible, leaving them with little option but to abandon demands for punishment.

International Day of the Endangered Lawyer: The Bangladesh Context & JMBF’s Initiative

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Advocate Shahanur Islam

The legal profession is one of the fundamental pillars for ensuring the rule of law, judicial independence, and the protection of human rights. Unfortunately, in Bangladesh—especially under the current caretaker government—many lawyers are facing various forms of repression, harassment, and violence while carrying out their professional duties.

In just the past 10 months, over 500 lawyers across the country have been targeted with politically motivated false cases, most of which involve charges of murder, attempted murder, and bombings.

Political Ban or a Proclamation of Democracy’s Demise?

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By Advocate Shahanur Islam

On May 12, 2025, a controversial executive order by Bangladesh’s interim government—led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus—triggered a political storm. The order bans all political activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated bodies, including leaders, activists, and supporters. This sweeping move is not only unlawful and unconstitutional but also a direct assault on the foundations of a democratic society. It infringes upon the political rights and fundamental freedoms of millions of citizens and undermines the very spirit of democratic governance.

Is the Country Heading Towards Consolidation of Power by Anti-Liberation Islamist Fundamentalist Forces?

To read the Bengali and French versions, scroll below.

Advocate Shahanur Islam

Bangladesh stands today at a critical juncture of political confrontation. Recently, the blockade program organized by the NCP (Nationalist Citizens’ Platform) in Dhaka’s Shahbagh has rekindled political uncertainty and security concerns. The open participation of anti-liberation and extremist Islamist fundamentalist groups in this movement indicates that this is not an isolated political incident but rather the result of a well-planned and coordinated subversive operation.

Is Love a Crime? State Indifference and the Persecution of Lesbian Women – A Bangladeshi Reality

To read the Bengali and French versions, scroll below.

Advocate Shahanur Islam

On April 26, 2025, in Faridganj, Chandpur, two teenage girls—Arohi and Ritu—expressed their mutual love and attempted to ‘marry’ each other on their own initiative. That was their "crime." In the eyes of society, their families, and even the state, their relationship was seen as illegal, immoral, and perverse. As a result, instead of validating their love, they were subjected to persecution. 

Pressured by local Islamic fundamentalist groups, their families handed them over to the police. The police, instead of fulfilling their social and legal duties, merely warned them strictly to ensure such an incident would not happen again and returned them to their families the next day—essentially allowing society and religious groups to take over the ‘responsibility’ of correcting them. The state, in this instance, remained a silent spectator, and law enforcement effectively became complicit in the persecution. This reflects the longstanding oppression and state indifference faced by lesbian women in Bangladesh.

বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবীদের উপর ইউনুস সরকারের সুপরিকল্পিত ও নৃশংস হামলা কেন?

অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানুর ইসলাম সৈকত

বাংলাদেশের আইনজীবী সমাজ আজ এক অভূতপূর্ব সঙ্কটের মুখোমুখি। শান্তিতে নোবেল পুরস্কার বিজয়ী প্রফেসর মুহাম্মদ ইউনুসের নেতৃত্বাধীন অন্তর্বর্তীকালীন সরকার বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবী সম্প্রদায়কে সরাসরি টার্গেট করে একটি সুপরিকল্পিত ও পদ্ধতিগত দমনাভিযান শুরু করেছে, যা অত্যন্ত উদ্বেগজনক ও অশনিসঙ্কেত বহন করছে।

ফ্রান্সভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার সংস্থা জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ), যারা নিয়মিতভাবে বাংলাদেশের আইনজীবীদের ওপর সংঘটিত সহিংসতা পর্যবেক্ষণ ও নথিবদ্ধ করে, তাদের সংরক্ষিত তথ্য অনুযায়ী, ২০২৪ সালের আগস্টে বিগত বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামী লীগ সরকারের পতনের পর ইউনুস প্রশাসন একটি রাজনৈতিক উদ্দেশ্যপ্রণোদিত অভিযান শুরু করে। এই অভিযানে আইনজীবীদের গ্রেফতার, মিথ্যা মামলায় জড়ানো, হত্যা, বার কাউন্সিলসহ বিভিন্ন জেলা বার অ্যাসোসিয়েশনের দখল এবং আইনজীবীদের ব্যক্তিগত সম্পত্তিতে হামলার মতো ন্যক্কারজনক ঘটনা ক্রমবর্ধমানভাবে ঘটে চলেছে। 

Pourquoi le gouvernement Yunus au Bangladesh cible-t-il systématiquement et brutalement les avocats?

Par l’Avocat Shahanur Islam

Dans une initiative sans précédent et profondément alarmante, le gouvernement intérimaire du Bangladesh, dirigé par l’ancien lauréat du prix Nobel de la paix, le Professeur Muhammad Yunus, a lancé une campagne systémique visant directement la communauté juridique du pays. Selon les documents de JusticeMakers Bangladesh en France (JMBF), depuis son arrivée au pouvoir en août 2024, l’administration Yunus a orchestré une série inquiétante d’arrestations politiquement motivées, de charges fabriquées, de meurtres, de prises de contrôle forcées du Barreau du Bangladesh et d’autres associations de barreaux de districts, ainsi que d’attaques physiques ciblant les avocats. 

Plus de 391 professionnels du droit font actuellement face à de fausses accusations telles que des meurtres et des explosions d’explosifs. Plus de 131 ont déjà été arrêtés, certains détenus sans aucune inculpation, uniquement pour leurs activités professionnelles et leurs opinions politiques, tandis que beaucoup d’autres ont été victimes d’abus, de menaces et de harcèlement. Ce à quoi nous assistons n’est pas une série d’incidents isolés, mais une attaque délibérée et orchestrée contre l’état de droit et l’indépendance même du système judiciaire du Bangladesh.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: January- March 2025

As we step into the first quarter (January to March) of 2025, the JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter continues to be a platform for reflection, inspiration, and progress. The start of a new year is always an opportunity to set fresh goals, embrace new challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to making a difference. 

Over the past few months, JMBF has been actively engaging with communities, driving meaningful projects, and fostering collaborations that pave the way for lasting impact. From empowering local entrepreneurs to funding educational initiatives, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of collective action. In this issue, we highlight some of these incredible efforts and the individuals behind them. 

Ban on Bail in Rape Cases: Justice or a Risky Precedent?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

In response to the recent alarming rise in rape cases, the interim government of Bangladesh has introduced a sweeping legal reform—banning bail in all rape cases and mandating trials to conclude within 90 days. Additionally, investigation reports must be submitted within 15 days. While this bold move aims to strengthen justice, it also raises critical concerns about fairness, human rights, and the effectiveness of the judicial system.

A Necessary Step to Deter Crime

Rape is a heinous crime, and a weak judicial process allows offenders to act with impunity. A stringent legal framework ensures justice for survivors and instills fear among perpetrators. Eliminating bail could serve as a strong deterrent, preventing criminals from manipulating legal loopholes to evade punishment.

Is Violence Against Minorities Justified for Political Reasons?

Advocate Shahanur Islam 

On March 17, in an interview broadcast on Indian TV channel NDTV, the head of U.S. National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, expressed deep concern about the overall situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the persecution of minorities. She explicitly mentioned that the Trump administration was extremely worried about the human rights situation of minorities in Bangladesh. 

However, soon after her statement, the office of the Chief Adviser of the interim government issued a press release denying these concerns. The statement claimed that religious minorities in Bangladesh were not facing any persecution and that a harmonious environment prevailed in the country. However, the reality paints a completely different picture. 

Escalating Religious Violence Under Yunus's Rule: Attacks on Shrines and the Government’s Mysterious Silence

Advocate Shahanur Islam

On the night of March 16, 2025, a brutal attack took place at the Ismail Shah shrine in Amtali, Barguna, during the annual Urs celebration, leaving at least 20 people injured. Eyewitnesses report that local leaders of the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh led a group of over a hundred individuals who demanded the cessation of shrine worship and musical performances. When their demands were refused, violence erupted. The attackers set fire to the shrine’s tents and meeting halls, looted donation boxes, and viciously assaulted Sufi followers. This is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing pattern of religious violence across the country.

Prison Management in Bangladesh: Irregularities, Corruption, Insecurity, and Human Rights Violations!

Advocate Shahaanur Islam

On Tuesday, an Awami League leader, arbitrarily arrested in an explosives and vandalism case filed by the current interim government, died in Bogura Jail. Under the leadership of interim Prime Minister Dr. Muhammad Yunus, over 50 prisoners have died in jails across the country in the past six months, including five Awami League leaders in Bogura District Jail alone. These incidents have sparked nationwide discussions. This is not just a problem of a specific prison; rather, it reflects the irregularities, corruption, and human rights violations plaguing Bangladesh’s prison system.

The Democracy of Rape: A New Chapter in the Yunus Era

Advocate Shahanur Islam

The country is now experiencing the full flavor of democracy! After years of struggle, foreign intervention, and mass protests, Sheikh Hasina’s government has fallen. The dream was that tyranny would end, justice would prevail, and freedom would flourish. But what a cruel twist of fate! Within just six months, the nation has turned into a battleground—where rape, murder, and lawlessness have become the daily headlines.

Do you remember that viral poster from the protests? A young woman, clad in a burqa with a mask, sat on the street holding a white placard that read: “Fuck me, but we want Sheikh Hasina’s fall.” Back then, it was hailed as a symbol of liberation, a call for democracy. But today, it seems that call has been taken far too literally—except now, it’s the most vulnerable who are paying the price.

Will the Yunus Government Continue Its Steamroller on Press Freedom in Bangladesh?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

Since assuming leadership of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8, 2024, Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus has faced mounting criticism over his administration’s alarming crackdown on press freedom and the broader democratic space. In what appears to be a systematic effort to silence dissent, the government has overseen the arrest of journalists, the filing of dubious legal cases, the dismissal of media professionals, and the outright targeting of press institutions. These actions raise grave concerns about the state of democracy and fundamental rights in Bangladesh.

A Systematic Crackdown on Press Freedom:  Press freedom is an essential pillar of democracy, acting as a check on government power and ensuring the free flow of information. However, under Prof. Yunus’s interim government, journalists and media outlets are facing an unprecedented assault. At least 18 journalists—including Mozammel Babu, Shamol Datto, Farzana Rupa, and Shakil Ahmed—have been arrested around the country under vague and repressive laws, highlighting a clear attempt to stifle critical voices.

Why Are Sufi Shrines and Spiritual Sites Under Attack in Bangladesh?

Advocate Shahanur Islam
In the heart of Bangladesh lies a spiritual heritage rooted in Sufi traditions that have harmonized communities for centuries. These shrines and spiritual sites, once beacons of tolerance and pluralism, are now under attack, with devastating consequences for the nation’s cultural and social fabric. Since the fall of the former government and the assumption of power by the interim government in August 2024, more than 100 shrines and spiritual sites have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and set on fire.

The rise in violence against Sufi shrines is not an isolated phenomenon but a reflection of broader ideological and political struggles. Bangladesh’s Sufi heritage, which champions inclusivity and coexistence, stands in stark contrast to the rigid ideologies of extremist groups that see such traditions as anathema. With political power in flux and ideological tensions high, these spiritual spaces have become vulnerable targets.

Would Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu Have Been Arrested If He Had Remained Silent?

Advocate Shahanur Islam & Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus

The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, a revered Hindu monk and vocal minority rights advocate in Bangladesh, has sparked intense debates on justice, dissent, and minority rights. Charged with sedition and allegedly desecrating the national flag during a protest against violence targeting Hindus, Prabhu’s detention raises a critical question: Would he have faced the same fate had he remained silent about the suffering of the Hindu minority?