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.​

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attack on Former Law Minister and Senior Advocate Anisul Huq at Narayanganj Court

"Veuillez lire la version française ci-dessous."

Paris, France; April 29, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation and deepest outrage over the reprehensible assault on former Law Minister and senior lawyer Advocate Anisul Huq at the entrance of the Narayanganj court premises on April 28, 2025.

JMBF asserts that this shameful and violent act — carried out in broad daylight by a section of lawyers, individuals who are themselves, officers of the court — is an attack not only on Advocate Anisul Huq personally but also on the very principles of justice, rule of law, and judicial independence that underpin a democratic society. The courtroom and its surroundings are sacred spaces for the administration of justice, where violence and intimidation must have no place under any circumstances.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerned About the Arbitrary Arrest of Senior Lawyer Advocate M.M. Mujibur Rahman in Khulna

"Veuillez lire la version française ci-dessous."

Paris, France; April 28, 2025 – The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns and expresses grave concern over the recent arbitrary arrest of Advocate M.M. Mujibur Rahman, former president and general secretary, and senior lawyer of the Khulna District Bar Association, on April 22, 2025, under the draconian Special Powers Act, 1974.

JMBF asserts that the arrest of Advocate M.M. Mujibur Rahman represents a serious and flagrant abuse of power by the authorities of Bangladesh. This action is not only unjust but also a direct attack on the core principles of justice, freedom, and democracy. Such acts of arbitrary detention violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under both the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges.

JMBF Statement on International Lesbian Visibility Day 2025

"Please read the French and Bengali versions below"

Paris, France; April 26, 2025: Today, on International Lesbian Visibility Day 2025, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in steadfast solidarity with lesbians across the globe — especially with those in Bangladesh who continue to live, love, and resist under immense pressure and threat.

In Bangladesh, being a lesbian often means facing a life of secrecy, fear, and discrimination. The silence surrounding their struggles is not a choice but a survival strategy in a society that criminalizes same-sex love and perpetuates deeply rooted homophobia. Despite these immense challenges, countless lesbian individuals in Bangladesh persist with extraordinary courage.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Condemns the Arrest of Lady Biker Esha: A Disturbing Act of Homophobic Injustice

"Please read the French version below"

Paris, France | March 25, 2025:  France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation regarding the recent arrest and imprisonment of Irin Jahan Esha Sheikh, widely known as the “Lady Biker,” in Khulna, Bangladesh.

It has become increasingly evident that Esha was not detained based on any credible evidence of criminal activity, but was instead targeted because of her identity as a lesbian and her consensual romantic relationship with another woman. This case represents yet another tragic instance of the criminalization of same-sex relationships and the systematic persecution of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

JMBF Holds Key Meetings with Amnesty International France and ARDHIS in Paris

"Please read the French and Bengali versions below"

Paris, April 24, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) held two bilateral meetings in Paris on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) with Amnesty International France and the Association for the Recognition of the Rights of Homosexual and Trans Persons to Immigration and Residence (ARDHIS). The discussions focused on the deteriorating state of LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh and potential avenues for international collaboration.

Why is the Yunus Government in Bangladesh Systematically and Brutally Targeting Lawyers?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

In an unprecedented and deeply alarming move, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by former Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has launched a systemic campaign aimed directly at the country’s legal community. According to documentation from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), since assuming power in August 2024, the Yunus administration has orchestrated an alarming series of politically motivated arrests, fabricated charges, killings, forcible possession of the Bangladesh Bar Council and other district bar associations, and physical attacks targeting lawyers. 

Over 391 legal professionals are now facing false accusations such as murder and explosive explosions. More than 131 have already been arrested, some detained without charges solely for their professional activities and political beliefs, while many more have been subjected to abuse, threats, and harassment. What we are witnessing is not a series of isolated incidents, but a deliberate, orchestrated attack on the rule of law and the very independence of Bangladesh's judiciary.

JMBF Becomes a Formal Member of ILGA World

Paris, France – April 15, 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is proud to announce its official acceptance as a member of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA World)— a leading global federation committed to advancing the rights, dignity, and well-being of LGBTI+ communities worldwide.

✨শুভ বাংলা নববর্ষ ১৪৩২!

"নতুন বছর, নতুন অঙ্গীকার — সামাজিক ন্যায়বিচারের পথে এগিয়ে চলার" 

🌸 শুভ নববর্ষ ১৪৩২ 🌸 

নতুন বছর, নতুন সম্ভাবনা ও আশার বার্তা নিয়ে আসা বাংলা নববর্ষ ১৪৩২ উপলক্ষে দেশ-বিদেশে অবস্থানরত সবাইকে জানাই আন্তরিক শুভেচ্ছা ও অভিনন্দন। 

নতুন বছর হোক মানবাধিকার, সামাজিক ন্যায়বিচার ও মানবিক মর্যাদার বিজয়ের বছর। আসুন, বৈষম্য ও নিপীড়নের বিরুদ্ধে সোচ্চার হয়ে গড়ে তুলি একটি ন্যায়ভিত্তিক, সমতা ও মানবিকতায় পূর্ণ সমাজ। 💛 থাকুক আপনাদের জীবনে শান্তি, সুস্বাস্থ্য ও সাফল্যের ছোঁয়া। 

শুভ নববর্ষ! 

অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানূর ইসলাম সৈকত,

প্রতিষ্ঠাতা সভাপতি 

জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) 

www.jmbf.org

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns Arbitrary Detention of Environmental Activist and Model Meghna Alam Under Draconian Law

Paris, France | April 13, 2025 — France-based human rights watchdog JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and preventive detention of environmental activist, model, and Chairperson of the Miss Bangladesh Foundation, Meghna Alam, under the Special Powers Act of 1974—a controversial law long criticized for suppressing dissent.

Meghna Alam, also crowned Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was detained from her residence in Dhaka on April 9, 2025, and transferred to Kashimpur Jail following a closed-door court hearing on April 10. Her 30-day preventive detention was ordered under the Special Powers Act, based on vague allegations that she was spreading misinformation and threatening diplomatic relations.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Torture, Arrest, and Unjust Layoffs of Garment Workers in Rupganj, Bangladesh

Paris, France; April 11, 2025: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the brutal baton charge and unlawful arrest of garment workers in Rupganj on April 9, 2025, during a peaceful demonstration by law enforcement agencies. The incident, which resulted in the injury of at least 35 workers and the arrest of 10 workers, highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse of power and disregard for basic human rights. Furthermore, the unjustified layoffs of workers without prior notice are an affront to workers' rights and the principles of justice and fairness guaranteed under both national and international law.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arrest and Torture of Female Barrister Turin Afroz Solely for Her Role as a Prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal.

Paris, France | April 10, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation and protest against the arbitrary arrest and inhumane treatment of Barrister Turin Afroz, former prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh, who was detained from her residence in Dhaka on the night of April 7, 2025, and subjected to gross physical assault by unidentified perpetrators in August 2024.

JMBF asserts that these actions represent a direct attack on her personal dignity, safety, and most alarmingly, her independence as a legal professional engaged in upholding justice for the victims of the 1971 Liberation War.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerned Over the Politically Motivated Brutal Killing of Lawyer Sujon Mia in Moulvibazar

Paris, France; April 8, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deepest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal and cowardly murder of Advocate Sujon Mia, a practicing lawyer at the Moulvibazar District Judge Court. He was fatally stabbed on the night of April 6, 2025, in what appears to be a politically motivated targeted killing.

This heinous act, committed in public under the watch of the current interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, reflects a grave deterioration of law and order and exposes the abysmal state of protection for legal professionals in Bangladesh today.

Press and Public Statement: JMBF Deeply Concerned over the Arbitrary Detention of 84 Pro-Awami League Lawyers Despite Bail from Higher Court

Paris, France; April 07, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest concern and condemnation over the arbitrary and unprecedented decision by the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge to reject bail pleas and send 84 pro-Awami League lawyers to jail on April 6, 2025, solely for their political belief—despite their valid anticipatory bail granted by the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.

JMBF asserts that this politically motivated and arbitrary action—under the watch of the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus—constitutes a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as fundamental international human rights obligations to which Bangladesh is legally bound.

JMBF & SIL Jointly Participate in LGBTQI+ Associations Fair in Paris

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), in collaboration with Solidarity International LGBTQI+ (SIL), participated in the "Salon des Associations LGBTQI+" held at Espace des Blancs Manteaux in Paris on April 5–6, 2025. Organized by Inter-LGBTQI+, the annual event gathered around 80 LGBTQI+ organizations from across France and beyond to celebrate diversity, share experiences, and strengthen international solidarity.

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. 

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. 

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Cancellation of Pro-Awami League Lawyers Candidature in the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election

Paris, France; March 31, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the politically motivated canceliation of the Pro-Awami League Lawyers Panel in the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election solely for their political belief on March 29, 2025. This incident represents a blatant violation of democratic principles and the fundamental rights of legal professionals to participate in a free and fair electoral process, as well as a violation of human rights.

JMBF immediately urges the government of Bangladesh to reschedule the election, restore the candidature of Pro-Awami League lawyers, and ensure a free and fair election environment for the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election 1432 Bangabdha.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Politically Motivated Murder Case Against Eight Prominent Journalists in Dhaka

Paris, France; March 29, 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights watchdog, expresses grave concern and strong protest over the politically motivated and baseless case filed against eight distinguished journalists in Dhaka, accusing them of involvement in the tragic deaths and injuries during the July uprising on July 19, 2024. JMBF unequivocally condemns the filing of this case, which is a clear attempt to silence independent media voices and suppress the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

JMBF Engages in Bilateral Meeting with the Embassy of France in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) attended a significant bilateral meeting with the Embassy of France in Bangladesh held at the French Embassy premises in Dhaka today on March 27, 2025. The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of JMBF and Emilie PALAHOUANE, Political Affairs and Cooperation Attachée of the Embassy of France.