BANGLADESH ALERT: Death Sentences Against Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - A Cruel Manifestation of Farce and Political Vendetta in the Name of Justice

“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’.”

Paris, France | 17 November 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the death sentences handed down today, 17 November, by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman. JMBF considers this a catastrophic judicial failure, a blatant manifestation of state vendetta, and an act that undermines the very concept of the rule of law.

The verdict announced today, imposing death sentences on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman, is not only unjust, but also a clear reflection of a premeditated decision driven by political vengeance.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation over DMP and CMP Commissioners’ “Shoot on Sight” Orders

“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’.”

Paris, France | 17 November 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and outrage over the orders issued on 16 November by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali and, on 11 November, by Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz to “shoot on sight,” “fire in brushfire mode,” and use lethal weapons by patrol teams.

These directives are not only reckless, threatening, and legally indefensible but also represent a deliberate misuse of state power and a blatant violation of both international human rights law and the Constitution of Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over the Conspiratorial Arrest of a Gay Teacher of Dhaka University

“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’.”

Paris, France; 15 November 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the conspiratorial arrest and imprisonment of Dhaka University (DU) Chemistry Department Professor Dr. Ershad Halim on 13 November, based solely on fabricated and conspiratorial allegations of sexual harassment of male students, allegedly due to his belonging to the gay community, as part of the continued pattern of discrimination and targeted harassment against sexual minority groups in Bangladesh. JMBF simultaneously demands his immediate and unconditional release and the withdrawal of the case filed against him.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attempted Arrest of Its Secretary General, Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, and the Continuing Attacks on Lawyers Across Bangladesh.

“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’.”

Paris, France | 12 November 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent series of brutal attacks, harassment, false cases, and arbitrary arrests of lawyers in Rangpur, Shariyatpur, Sherpur & Patuakhali including the attempted arrest of JMBF Secretary General and member of the Dhaka Bar Association, former Assistant Public Prosecutor of the 7th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, at his village home in Brahmanbaria on the night of 8 November.

JMBF firmly believes that these acts of persecution against lawyers — solely for performing their professional duties or holding differing political views — constitute not only an assault on the independence of the judiciary but also a direct threat to the legal community defending human rights. Such incidents are clear violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as of the fundamental human rights and professional freedoms enshrined in the United Nations declarations.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Brutal Police Attack on Peaceful Teachers’ Protest in Dhaka

“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’.”

Paris, France | 09 November 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and strongly condemns the brutal and unjustified police attack on primary school teachers who were peacefully demonstrating in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on 8 November, demanding the fulfillment of their three-point charter.

JMBF firmly believes that such violent repression of teachers is not only inhumane but also constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental constitutional rights to assembly, expression, and peaceful protest, as well as a direct violation of international human rights standards, particularly Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

JOINT STATEMENT: Crackdown Against the Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh Under the Interim Government

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France/ Belgium/ Poland/ Egypt/ Thailand/ Kazakhstan/ India; November 5, 2025: The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the National Bar Council (CNB), the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk (OIAD), the Arrested Lawyers Initiative, the Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP), the International Association of People’s Lawyers – Monitoring Committee on Attacks on Lawyers, the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), the Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), the 'NEVER AGAIN' Association, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), the Public Association Dignity, the Programme Against Custodial Torture and Impunity (PACTI), the Solidarité Internationale LGBTQI (SIL) and the Families of the Disappeared (FOD) express grave concern over the contineous politically motivated repression against the independence of the legal community in Bangladesh under the current Interim Government.

Statement by JMBF on the 11th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

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Paris, France; November 02, 2025: Today, on the occasion of the 11th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) solemnly calls on the interim government of Bangladesh, led by the Nobel Laureate for Peace, to immediately halt and reverse the systematic assault on press freedom and the safety of journalists within its jurisdiction.

JMBF expresses grave concern that a relentless crackdown is being mounted on journalists, media workers, and women journalists in particular under the current interim administration in Bangladesh.

Although the current interim government initiated the Media Reform Commission to protect the rights of journalists, the guardians of democratic discourse, state apparatuses are being used to intimidate, harass, prosecute, and silence independent voices.

JMBF Report 2025: Crackdown Against Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh under Interim Government

JMBF Report 2025-Crackdown on Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh under Interim Government by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

Why the World’s Diplomats Stay Silent as Bangladesh Bleeds?

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When Bangladesh’s Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as head of the country’s interim government in August 2024, millions dared to hope. After years of authoritarian rule and blood-soaked repression, people believed the nightmare was ending. They hoped that Yunus, a global symbol of microcredit, would deliver good governance, rule of law, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Fourteen months later, those hopes are shattered. The violence never stopped; it only changed hands, and some forms of violence have increased dramatically. Although this new wave of repression continues, the foreign diplomatic missions in Dhaka, so vocal in preaching democratic values during the previous tenure have chosen silence.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Violence and Arbitrary Arrests of the Hijra (Third Gender) Community in Chattogram and Narayanganj

“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’.”

Paris, France; 19 October 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the brutal attacks and arbitrary arrests of members of the Hijra (third gender) community on 10 September in Boalkhali, Chattogram, and on 17 September in Rupganj, Narayanganj.

JMBF calls for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, as well as the unconditional release of the arrested Hijras and the withdrawal of all false cases filed against them.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of six lawyers in Naogaon and Dhaka.

“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’.”

Paris, France; 16 October 2025: Human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is strongly alarmed and condemns the recent arbitrary arrest, re-arrest, and imprisonment of six senior lawyers in Naogaon and Dhaka on false and fabricated charges filed under the July assassination attempt, Explosive Substances Act, and Anti-Terrorism Act, solely for conducting professional activities and for holding differing political opinions. JMBF also demands the immediate release of the arrested and detained lawyers and the unconditional withdrawal of all cases filed against them.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Police Attacks on Peaceful Assembly of Jatio Party and MPO Teachers in Dhaka

“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’.”

Paris, France; 13 October 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent brutal police attacks on peaceful political and social gatherings in Dhaka.

On 11 October, a peaceful political assembly of the Jatio Party at Kakrail More in the capital was violently disrupted by police. The following day, on 12 October, a peaceful protest by MPO-registered teachers in front of the National Press Club, demanding their legitimate rights, was attacked with sound grenades and baton charges, leaving many Jatio Party activists and several teachers bloodied and injured.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Statement on the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty

“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’.”

Paris, France; October 10, 2025: On Friday, 10 October, the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls upon the Bangladeshi government to urgently reconsider its continued use of capital punishment. The number of prisoners on death row in Bangladesh has risen sharply over the years: from 1,009 in November 2011 to over 2,000 in June 2021, with at least 169+ death sentences in 2022 and 248+ in 2023. In 2025, more than 2,400 individuals currently remain on death row. These figures reflect systemic issues, including trials plagued by delays, inadequate legal representation, and procedural irregularities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns Continuous Threats and Attacks Against JMBF Secretary General Advocate Mohammad Alamgir

"Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; October 09, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the continuous threats, intimidation, and violent attacks directed against Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, the respected Secretary General of JMBF, for his courageous and professional engagement in defending victims of persecution, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, and for upholding the rule of law and justice in Bangladesh.

Over the past year, Advocate Alamgir has been repeatedly subjected to life-threatening attacks, harassment, and extortion demands by individuals and groups affiliated with BNP–Jamaat and Islamic fundamentalist elements, who have sought to silence him for his unwavering commitment to human rights and justice.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Killing of 3 Indigenous Youths in Kharachhari During Anti-Rape Protest

“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’.”

Paris, France; 8 October 2025: Paris-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and outrage over the killing of three indigenous teenagers and the serious injury of at least 14 others during a protest in Guimara Upazila, Kharachhari district, Bangladesh, on 28 September. The protest was held against the rape of a hill girl. This incident is a horrifying example of the severe deterioration of human rights and state repression in Bangladesh.

JMBF strongly believes that despite the fact that the perpetrators were not arrested or punished, the firing upon peaceful anti-rape protesters is illegal, inhumane, and contrary to the Constitution and international human rights law.

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.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Joins the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH)

Paris, France; October 4, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) received formal membership in the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH), a collective of French NGOs dedicated to promoting and defending human rights internationally, on October 1, 2025.

The PDH, established in 2017, provides a vital space for collaboration, exchange, and mutual support among French NGOs engaged in international human rights work. By joining PDH, JMBF aims to strengthen its connections with other civil society actors, enhance its visibility, and contribute to collective efforts in advocacy and human rights promotion.

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.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: July-September 2025

11. JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: July-September 2025 by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Protest Over the Death of Awami League Leader in Gaibandha Jail Due to Torture and Medical Negligence

“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’.”

Paris, France; 23 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern over the death of Abu Bakkar Siddiq Munna, former Vice-President and former Chairman of Kanchipara Union, Fulchhari Upazila, Awami League, allegedly due to torture and medical negligence while in Gaibandha District Jail in the early morning of 22 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that this planned killing, carried out through politically motivated torture and denial of medical care, constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights declarations.