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.

BANGLADESH: Call for Immediate Release of Unlawful, Politically Motivated Arrests of Senior Lawyer Rezaul Karim & Zahurul Islam Selim in Cumilla

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Paris, France | 10 June 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern over the alarming trend of politically motivated and unlawful arrests of lawyers in Bangladesh under the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. These arrests target legal professionals for simply fulfilling their duties and expressing differing political views—an egregious violation of professional rights and a grave threat to judicial independence, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights.

BANGLADESH: Interim Government Under Dr. Muhammad Yunus Must Be Held Accountable for Heinous Political Murders and Gross Human Rights Violations

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Paris, France – June 8, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deepest condemnation and unreserved outrage over the widespread and systematic political murders perpetrated under the watch of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to a report released by the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) on June 6, 2025, at least 123 members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were victims of targeted killings between August 5, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Among them, 41 were hacked to death in Taliban-style executions, and 21 others were killed in state custody—a chilling reflection of the collapse of the rule of law and human rights protections in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns Arrest of Two Senior Lawyers in Jhenaidah and Kurigram; Demands Immediate and Unconditional Release

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Paris, France; June 3, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the arrest of two prominent senior lawyers from the District Bar Associations of Jhenaidah and Kurigram—Advocate Bikash Kumar Ghosh and Advocate Amjad Hossain. The arrests are widely viewed as repressive, politically motivated, and acts of vengeance, carried out solely because the lawyers were performing their professional duties and exercising their right to freedom of political expression.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns Unlawful Arrest of Two Former Presidents of Gaibandha District Bar, Demands Immediate Release

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Paris, France | 30 May 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the arbitrary arrest of Advocate Ahsanul Karim Lachu, former President and General Secretary of the Gaibandha District Bar Association, on 29 May, and Advocate Faruk Ahmed Prince, former President and Public Prosecutor (PP), on 9 May. Both were detained in connection with vandalism cases related to incidents at the BNP office in July and August 2024. These arrests appear to have been made solely due to the lawyers' professional responsibilities and differing political opinions.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over NCP Chief Organizer’s Statement Labeling LGBTQ+ Individuals as "Mentally Ill" and “Cancer to Society”

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Paris, France | May 28, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation over a statement published on May 18, 2025, by Mr. Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer of the Northern Region of the National Citizens Party (NCP), on his verified Facebook page. In the statement, Mr. Alam referred to members of the LGBTQ+ community as "mentally ill" and "cancer to society." As an international human rights organization based in France, JMBF finds this rhetoric to be in stark violation of fundamental human rights principles and a direct attack on the ideals of equality, dignity, and tolerance.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Demands Justice over Brutal Attack on the Religious Minority Matua Community in Jessore

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Paris, France; 26 May 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the planned arson, looting, and physical attacks on 18 houses of the religious minority Hindu Matua community in Dohormoshiahat village, Abhaynagar Upazila, Jessore, on 22 May 2025. JMBF considers this brutal attack, carried out solely due to religious minority identity and political vendetta, a severe violation of the constitution, human rights, and civil liberties.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns Politically Motivated Attempted Murder Case Against 14 Lawyers and 7 Journalists in Dhaka

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Paris, France; May 25, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the attempted murder case filed in Dhaka on January 5, 2025, by a member of Jamaat-e-Islami against 14 prominent lawyers, 7 journalists, and a total of 90 citizens.

JMBF believes this case is clearly politically motivated, vindictive, and an attempt to intimidate professionals for carrying out their duties—an act that violates the Constitution of Bangladesh and internationally recognized human rights standards declared by the United Nations.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arrests & Sentencing of Lawyers in Meherpur, Jhalokathi, Bogura & Natore

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Paris, France; 22 May 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, has expressed strong outrage and deep concern over the recent sentencing of senior and ailing lawyer Advocate Alek Uddin Sheikh in the courtroom on 9 May in Natore for alleged "commotion"; arrest of Advocate Md. Abdus Salam of the Meherpur District Bar without a warrant on the night of 12 April; the imprisonment of former Public Prosecutor (PP) and Jhalokathi District Bar Association President Abdul Mannan Rasul upon surrendering for bail as per a High Court directive on 16 March 2025; and the denial of bail and imprisonment of former Special PP Ashakur Rahman Sujon by the Bogura Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on 20 October 2024—solely due to their professional duties and differing political beliefs.

Press & Public Statement: Arrest of Actress Nusrat Faria – A Grave Violation of Constitution, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law

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Paris, France; May 19, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization founded under the principles of the United Nations Human Rights Charter (Bill of Rights), expresses its deep concern, strong condemnation, and protest over the arrest of renowned Bangladeshi film actress Nusrat Faria. She was detained by immigration police on May 18, 2025, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, just before boarding a flight to Thailand. JMBF demands her immediate and unconditional release and calls for the withdrawal of the fabricated case against her.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF deeply concerns and strongly condemns over politically motivated charges against 21 lawyers in Barguna!

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Paris, France; May 18, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the filing of a politically motivated case against 21 lawyers in Barguna under the Special Powers Act and Explosives Act on April 30, 2025.

JMBF strongly urges the current interim government to immediately withdraw the case and ensure that no lawyer is subjected to harassment due to their professional duties or differing political views.

JMBF Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia 2025!

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Paris, May 18, 2025: France-based human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) 2025. On May 17, the organization issued a press release and marked the occasion by publishing the “Annual LGBTQI+ Rights Report in Bangladesh – 2024.” As part of the celebration, the organization also organized an international conference titled "Lawyers’ Commitment to Protect LGBTQI+ Rights" on May 13 at the French National Bar Council Conference Room.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Joins International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances

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Paris, May 17, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization advocating for justice and accountability in Bangladesh, has officially joined the International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED) as of May 16, 2025, following a formal consultation and approval by the ICAED Executive Committee.

সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তি: মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ-এর বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪ প্রকাশ

সম্পূর্ণ প্রতিবেদনটি পড়তে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ অধিকার বিষয়ক বাৎসরিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪।

প্যারিস, ১৭ মে ২০২৫: ফ্রান্সভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) আজ ‘বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪’ আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে প্রকাশ করেছে। ফ্রান্সের রাজধানী প্যারিস থেকে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তির মাধ্যমে সংগঠনটি ২০২৪ সালের জানুয়ারি থেকে ডিসেম্বর পর্যন্ত সময়কালে বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ সম্প্রদায়ের ওপর সংঘটিত সহিংসতা, নিপীড়ন ও বৈষম্যমূলক আচরণের বিস্তারিত চিত্র তুলে ধরে।

প্রতিবেদনটি বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন জাতীয় ও আঞ্চলিক পত্রিকা, অনলাইন সংবাদমাধ্যম এবং জেএমবিএফ-এর নিজস্ব অনুসন্ধান ও তথ্যভাণ্ডারের ভিত্তিতে প্রস্তুত করা হয়েছে বলে বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। এতে লেসবিয়ান, গে, ট্রান্সজেন্ডার, ইন্টারসেক্স এবং যৌন সংখ্যালঘু অন্যান্য ব্যক্তিদের ওপর সংঘটিত হত্যাকাণ্ড, শারীরিক নির্যাতন, আত্মহত্যা, পুলিশি হয়রানি, গ্রেপ্তার, মিথ্যা মামলাসহ নানা রকম মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের তথ্য উপস্থাপিত হয়েছে।

Communiqué de Presse: JMBF publie le Rapport Annuel 2024 sur l'État des Droits des Personnes LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh

Pour lire le rapport complet, cliquez ici : État annuel des droits LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh 2024.

Paris, le 17 mai 2025 : L'organisation française de défense des droits humains, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a officiellement publié aujourd’hui le Rapport Annuel 2024 sur les Droits des Personnes LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh. Par le biais d’un communiqué depuis Paris, l’organisation présente un tableau détaillé des violences, persécutions et comportements discriminatoires subis par la communauté LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh entre janvier et décembre 2024.

Selon le communiqué, ce rapport s’appuie sur diverses sources, notamment des journaux nationaux et régionaux, des plateformes d’information en ligne du Bangladesh, ainsi que sur les propres enquêtes et bases de données du JMBF. Il présente des cas de meurtres, d’agressions physiques, de suicides, de harcèlement policier, d’arrestations, de fausses accusations et d’autres violations des droits humains visant les lesbiennes, gays, personnes transgenres, intersexes et autres minorités sexuelles.

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.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Brutality Against Peaceful Student and Teacher Protesters in Dhaka

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Paris, France | May 15, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its strongest condemnation and deepest concern over the brutal and inhumane police assault on peaceful student and teacher protesters from Jagannath University (JnU) during their lawful long march on May 14, 2025, in Dhaka.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Receives Voting Membership in CIVICUS

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Paris, May 13, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially been granted voting membership in CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote justice and civic engagement on a global scale.

The membership, valid from May 13, 2025, to May 13, 2028, grants JMBF a meaningful role in global civil society dialogues and decision-making within CIVICUS. As a voting member, the organization will contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the alliance and strengthening democratic participation worldwide.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Ban on the Bangladesh Awami League and Its Affiliates

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Paris, France | May 12, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation of the interim government's decision to ban all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League—Bangladesh’s largest democratic political party—and its affiliated organizations and supporters. This decision, made under the guise of national security, is a dangerous and unconstitutional measure that flagrantly violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh and contradicts international human rights norms.

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

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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.