JMBF President Attends View Exchange Meeting with French Human Rights Ambassador

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the President of JMBF attended a significant View Exchange meeting hosted by Mrs. Isabelle Rome, the French Ambassador for Human Rights and responsible for the duty of remembrance concerning the international dimension of the Shoah and spoliations. The event took place at the Quai d'Orsay in Paris, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and gathered former laureates of the prestigious Marianne Initiative.

The meeting offered a platform for in-depth discussions on human rights issues, with a special focus on the role of remembrance in fostering understanding of the Shoah and its lasting impact. Mrs. Rome, known for her advocacy in international human rights, led the conversation, providing insight into France's efforts to preserve the memory of historical injustices and promote human dignity.

Joint Statement: Call for the release of two human rights defenders unjustly detained in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) along with 72 human rights organisations stand in solidarity with Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two prominent Bangladeshi human rights activists from the Odhikar group, after they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment as retaliation for their human rights work.

On 14 September 2023, Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary of Odhikar, as well as a member of the OMCT General Assembly and FIDH Secretary General, and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Director of Odhikar, were sentenced to two years in prison and a fine, following ten years of relentless judicial harassment. The two men were remanded at Dhaka Central Jail. Khan and Elan’s lawyers plan to appeal the decision once the court has issued its written judgment, which could take months.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern over Sentencing of Two Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh

PARIS, FRANCE - September 16, 2023 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, is deeply alarmed by the recent verdict that has sentenced two Bangladeshi human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan to two years' imprisonment.

The imprisonment of these two human rights defenders raises serious questions about the state of freedom for human rights activists and activism in Bangladesh. JMBF stands in solidarity with Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two unwavering champions of human rights in Bangladesh.

Lawyers for Lawyers Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Shahanur Islam and Human Rights Defenders

Lawyers for Lawyers, an international organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and security of legal professionals, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment faced by prominent Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights defender, Shahanur Islam. This harassment, which has escalated recently, is believed to be a direct consequence of Mr. Islam's dedicated work in defending the rights of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

Shahanur Islam, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate, has been a steadfast champion for the marginalized communities of Bangladesh since 2008. His work has included offering legal counsel and representation to victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, indigenous peoples, child marriage survivors, victims of domestic abuse, and sexual minorities.

European Legal Council Urges Bangladesh Prime Minister to Protect Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), representing more than a million lawyers across 46 European countries, has issued an urgent plea to Her Excellency, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. In a letter dated July 7, 2023, CCBE expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family.

Shahanur Islam is a well-respected figure in the legal and human rights community, known for his unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized groups, including ethnic, religious, political, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. His work spans a wide range of issues, including the defense of LGBTQI+ rights and representation of individuals subjected to torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.

Law Society of England and Wales Raises Concerns Over Threats to Bangladeshi Lawyer Shahanur Islam

The Law Society of England and Wales, a professional body representing approximately 200,000 solicitors, has expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by Bangladeshi lawyer Shahanur Islam. On 16 November , in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, the Law Society called for immediate action to safeguard Mr. Islam and uphold the rule of law.

Shahanur Islam serves as the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights and Justice Makers Bangladesh. Throughout his career, he has been an ardent defender of the rights of ethnic, religious, and LGBTI minorities, as well as opposition politicians. Regrettably, he has been a target of multiple threats, intimidation, physical assault, and arrest dating back to 2008.