The Relentless Defender: How Advocate Shahanur Islam Became the Conscience of Bangladesh’s Legal Resistance

In the shadows of courtrooms and far from the glow of headlines, one man continues to risk his life for the rule of law. Advocate Shahanur Islam, a veteran Bangladeshi human rights lawyer, has spent the last two decades challenging a legal system plagued by corruption, police brutality, and discrimination. Now living in exile, his voice echoes louder than ever through legal reports, international appeals, and grassroots activism.

The Making of a Maverick

Born in northern Bangladesh, Islam's journey to law was not one of privilege, but of purpose. By his late twenties, he had already founded the JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and later the international platform JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Through these initiatives, he began documenting torture, false arrests, and violence against vulnerable communities.

“Justice isn’t just an idea—it’s a fight,” Islam says. “And it’s a fight we cannot afford to lose.”

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 ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Killing of Four and Injury to Hundreds of Unarmed Protesters by Deadly Army Firing in Gopalganj

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Paris, France; 16 July 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France(JMBF) expresses deep concern, anger, and protest over the incident in Gopalganj, where the police and army opened deadly fire on unarmed civilians protesting to protect the graveyard of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—killing at least four innocent people and injuring more than a hundred.

JMBF strongly believes that opening deadly fire on peaceful, unarmed protesters—opposing the arrogant anti-Mujibism promoted by the National Citizens Party (NCP), backed by the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus—as well as threatening to destroy Bangabandhu’s graveyard in Tungipara, similar to the demolition of his house at 32 Dhanmondi Road, is a gross violation of Bangladesh’s Constitution, existing laws, and the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

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

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

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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.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns the Brutal Murder of Gay Electrician Parvez Hasan and Urges Immediate Action to End Violence Against the LGBT+ Community

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Paris, France; 13 July 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the brutal murder of gay electrician Parvez Hasan (35) in Rupganj, Narayanganj, widely recognized as a hate crime rooted in his sexual orientation.

JMBF firmly believes that murdering a person solely because of their same-sex relationship constitutes a grave violation of existing laws, the Constitution of Bangladesh, and the fundamental human rights enshrined by the United Nations.

BANGLADESH: Death of Female Lecturer in Police Custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka — A Stark Reflection of Mismanagement and Cruelty by the Interim Government

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Paris, France; 12 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization established on the foundations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the tragic death of Independent University lecturer Firoza Ashravee on 11 July 2025 while in police custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka. This incident is yet another chilling example of the insecurity detainees face in state custody and constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over Barring Pro-Awami Lawyers from Contesting Gazipur District Bar Association Election

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Paris, France; 7 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the incident where pro-Awami ideology lawyers were barred from contesting the 2025–2026 executive committee election of the Gazipur District Bar Association, thereby depriving them of their professional and democratic rights.

France-based human rights organization JMBF firmly believes that one of the fundamental pillars of pluralistic democracy is equal rights of all citizens to participate in elections and enjoy professional freedom.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Repressive Cases Against 55 Senior Lawyers of Gazipur District Bar, Imprisonment of Two Seniors, and Interference with Professional Independence

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Paris, France; July 1, 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and alarmed that at least 55 experienced and senior lawyers of the Gazipur District Bar have faced more than 70 cases filed from August 2024 to June 2025. These cases arose in the context of student and mass movements during July-August 2024, accusing them of “murder,” “terrorism,” and “anti-state activities.”

Most of the accused have long held leadership roles within the Gazipur District Bar, serving as important pillars of the judicial system and performing their professional duties with honor.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June 2025

You can access the full newsletter in PDF format by clicking here.

As we conclude the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), we are both inspired by what we’ve accomplished and energized by what lies ahead. The JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter remains more than just a publication—it’s a reflection of our shared values, collective action, and steadfast belief in community-driven change.

This year began with a clear intention: to embrace new challenges, set bold goals, and recommit to sustainable progress. In just a few months, we’ve already built meaningful momentum.

At the heart of it all are the people—partners, volunteers, and everyday changemakers—whose dedication brings our mission to life. Their stories remind us that true impact is not just about scale, but about depth, connection, and consistency.

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

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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 Secretary General Attends Queer Film Screening at French Ambassador’s Residence in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh; June 25, 2025: Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), attended a special queer film screening hosted by the Embassy of France in Dhaka, held at the official residence of Her Excellency Ms. Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh.

The event was organized as part of Queer Week 2025, a global initiative celebrating LGBTQI+ culture, identity, and rights through art and dialogue. The French Embassy’s initiative offered a safe and inclusive space for conversation and representation of queer voices through cinema.

BANGLADESH: JMBF deeply concerned over arson and looting at the residence of sexual minority Sohel Asha in Brahmanbaria!

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Paris, France; 24 June 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the planned arson and looting carried out by extremists on Friday, 20 June 2025, at the residence of sexual minority hijra Sohel Asha in Kali Kachh Union, Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria.

JMBF firmly believes that this barbaric attack is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a glaring reflection of the ongoing discrimination, violence, and social exclusion faced by gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Cancellation of Memberships of 16 Lawyers of Jhalokathi District Bar Association

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Paris, France I June 23, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong protest over the arbitrary cancellation of the memberships of 16 experienced and prominent lawyers of the Jhalokathi District Bar Association on June 16, 2025. This action was reportedly taken solely due to their affiliation with the Bangladesh Awami League and their professional roles as Public Prosecutors, Assistant Public Prosecutors, Presidents, Secretaries, and Executive Members of the Bar Association.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned over the Death of Sheikh Jewel in Police Custody at Kumilla

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Paris, France – June 22, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the death of Sheikh Jewel (45) in police custody at Muradnagar Police Station in Kumilla, Bangladesh, on June 19, 2025. Sheikh Jewel, a tech entrepreneur who operated a broadband internet business in his home village of Bangra, reportedly died following torture while in police custody, according to statements from his family.

FRANCE: JMBF Statement on World Refugee Day 2025- Refugees Deserve Rights, Not Rejection

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Paris, France | June 20, 2025 – On this World Refugee Day, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights, dignity, and humanity of refugees worldwide. As a refugee-led organization based in France, our voice emerges not from theory but from lived experience—shaped by resilience, resistance, and the relentless struggle for justice.

Today, a growing climate of fear and hostility surrounds refugees. In France and across Europe, those seeking safety are too often met not with solidarity, but with suspicion. Refugees face legal uncertainty, institutional neglect, racial discrimination, and social exclusion. Instead of protection, we encounter persecution. Instead of being heard, we are silenced.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attack and Vandalism at Rabindra Kachharibari in Shahzadpur, Sirajganj

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Paris, France | 15 June 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the violent attack and vandalism that took place on 10 June at the historic Rabindra Kachharibari in Shahzadpur, Sirajganj. In this incident, an agitated mob damaged the auditorium’s windows and doors, vandalized the custodian’s office and library, and assaulted staff members.

BANGLADESH: Condemnation of the brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra in Jessore and call for urgent legal reforms to protect human rights for LGBT individuals without discrimination

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Paris, France | June 12, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and outrage over the premeditated brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra, a well-known third-gender Hijra individual from Baliaghat village in Jessore district. On the night of Wednesday, May 28, around 10:30 PM, local assailants armed with traditional weapons violently assaulted him, severely injuring him and looting eight tolas of gold jewelry. He is currently receiving treatment at Jessore General Hospital.

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.