PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Its Annual State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths under the Interim Government in Bangladesh

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’

Paris, France – August 25, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today released its Annual Report 2025: An Up-To-Date State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Under the Interim Government in Bangladesh (August 2024 – July 2025), presenting a grim account of widespread human rights violations under the Yunus-led interim administration.

The report, researched by Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus and edited by Advocate Shahanur Islam, documents 60 incidents resulting in 70 victims of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths carried out by law enforcement agencies, prison authorities, and other security forces across Bangladesh.

The report has been published from Paris, France, with an official press release circulated via email communication. It is also available on JMBF’s official website, Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X accounts.

The report states that despite assuming power in August 2024 with pledges to restore democracy, good governance, and human rights, the Yunus government has presided over what JMBF describes as a systematic pattern of repression, impunity, and political persecution.

One Year of the Yunus Regime: Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Persist in Bangladesh

Vous pouvez lire la version française en cliquant sur « plus » et en faisant défiler vers le bas.

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, following the collapse of the Awami League administration, expectations ran high. The leadership pledged to strengthen democracy, restore the rule of law, and protect human rights. Yet, one year on, evidence suggests that these aspirations remain far from realized.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Bangladesh recorded sixty incidents of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths, resulting in seventy victims, according to monitoring by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Of these, thirty-three incidents were linked to law enforcement and security forces, accounting for forty-three deaths, while twenty-seven deaths occurred inside prisons. These figures point to persistent structural weaknesses within the justice and security systems.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Arbitrary Arrest of 5 Lawyers and Fabricated Cases Against 12 in Barguna, Satkhira, Gazipur, Bogura, and Gopalganj

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’.

Paris, France; 01 August 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deep concern and strong protest over the recent politically motivated and arbitrary arrests and detention of five respected lawyers, as well as the filing of false cases against twelve others in various districts of Bangladesh—namely Barguna, Satkhira, Gazipur, Bogura, and Gopalganj—solely for carrying out their professional duties and holding differing political opinions.

JMBF firmly believes that targeting lawyers solely because of their professional conduct or political beliefs constitutes a clear and blatant violation of the fundamental human rights enshrined by the United Nations.

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.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases 2024 Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh

To read the full report, click here: Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2024.

Paris, 17 May 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially published the “2024 Annual LGBTQ+ Rights Report of Bangladesh” today. Through a press release from the capital city of Paris, the organization outlines a detailed picture of the violence, oppression, and discriminatory behavior faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh from January to December 2024.

The report is based on various national and regional newspapers, online news platforms in Bangladesh, and JMBF’s own investigations and data sources. It presents information on murders, physical assaults, suicides, police harassment, arrests, false cases, and other human rights violations against lesbians, gays, transgender, intersex, and other sexual minorities.

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.

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. 

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter (Oct-Dec 2024): Happy New Year 2025!

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As the year ends and we prepare to welcome 2025, I am filled with gratitude for the progress and milestones we have achieved together at JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). In this final quarterly issue of 2024, spanning October to December, we reflect on our journey toward fostering justice and driving meaningful change in our communities. 

Read the full newsletter online or download it in PDF format by visiting the following link:https://www.scribd.com/document/810181965/JMBF-Quarterly-eNewsletter-December-2024

Throughout this period, JMBF has worked tirelessly to promote fairness, equality, and dignity for all. From impactful initiatives to advocating for marginalized voices, every effort is driven by our unwavering belief that justice is not just an ideal—it is a right for everyone.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly eNewsletter, covering the period from April to June 2024. At JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), we are committed to promoting equitable justice and driving positive change within our communities.

In this issue, we are excited to share with you insightful articles and impactful initiatives that showcase the progress we have made in advancing our cause. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our dedicated team members, partners, and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible.

We are honoured to have you on this journey with us, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.​ To read the full eNewsletter in PDF format, please visit here.

Thank you for your continued support.

JMBF Publishes Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023

Paris, France, June 26, 2024 : JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023 today, coinciding with the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This meticulously documented report highlights 148 incidents of torture, extrajudicial killings, and inhumane treatment and degrading behavior in Bangladesh by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) throughout 2023. Based on continuous monitoring of online news media published from Bangladesh and abroad, this report reveals a disturbing trend of human rights violations by LEAs, impacting a total of 1,842 individuals.

You can read and download the full summary report visit by JMBF Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023

BANGLADESH-INDIA: JMBF Unveils Annual State of Indo-Bangla Border Violence 2023

Paris, France – June 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today released the comprehensive report on the annual state of violence along the Indo-Bangladesh border for the year 2023.  The report documents 55 violent incidents that have resulted in 66 victims, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions to address this persistent issue from January to December 2023. The incidents have led to fatalities, injuries, and detainments, affecting numerous individuals and communities across the border.

To read the full report in PDF, please visit: Annual State of Indo-Bangla Border Violence 2023

The report reveals a troubling pattern of violence, with the majority of incidents being perpetrated against males, resulting in 64 male victims from 53 incidents, while females were targeted in two incidents, leading to two female victims. Despite the lower number of incidents involving females, the violence they experienced was equally severe. 

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Groundbreaking Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023

Paris, France - May 17, 2024 - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) proudly announces the release of the "Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023," coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQI+ rights and underscores the importance of collective action in combating discrimination and prejudice.

This report, following the groundbreaking inaugural edition in 2022, represents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and advancements in LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh. It acknowledges that the documented incidents may not fully represent the actual number and types of abuses against LGBT individuals in Bangladesh, as many incidents go unreported due to social stigma and unacceptability.

Compiled by JMBF through rigorous monitoring of news media and analysis, the report covers developments in LGBTQI+ rights from January to December 2023. It provides a detailed examination of the legal, social, and cultural landscape impacting LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.

Press Release: JMBF Publishes State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2022: Reveals Alarming Levels of Violence

Paris, France; December 18, 2023: In a groundbreaking initiative, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the first-ever comprehensive State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh for the year 2022, focusing on violence against LGBTQI+ people. The report, meticulously compiled by JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and published by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), sheds light on the harrowing struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh, offering a stark portrayal of pervasive discrimination and violence against sexual minority groups.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder Secretary General of JMBD and Founder President of JMBF, expressed a profound mixture of concern and determination in the foreword, emphasizing the organization's solemn obligation to confront and rectify the injustices that plague the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

The report, emanating and published from Paris, France on December 18, 2023, through a press release underscores the gravity of the situation, being the first of its kind to meticulously document violations against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh. Prior to this undertaking, no organization, whether within Bangladesh or on the global stage, has dared to provide such a comprehensive perspective on the struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

Advocate Shahanur Islam expresses a solemn commitment to addressing the injustices and emphasizes the collective responsibility of policymakers, legislators, civil society entities, and community leaders in effecting positive change.

প্রেস বিজ্ঞপ্তিঃ জেএমবিএফ এর বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির অধিকার বিষয়ক বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২২ প্রকাশ!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; ১৮ ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৩: ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) প্রথমবারের মতো বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার বিষয়ক বিস্তারিত প্রদিবেদন “বাংলাদেশে সমকামী অধিকার ২০২২” প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন সংবাদ মাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার সংক্রান্ত খবর জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)কর্তৃক নিয়মিত সংকলন ও যাচায়পূর্বক প্রাপ্ত তথ্য জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)১৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩ এ প্রতিবেদন আকারে প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী গোষ্ঠীর বিরুদ্ধে চলমান ব্যাপক বৈষম্য ও সহিংসতার একটি স্পষ্ট চিত্র তুলে ধরাসহ প্রতিবেদনটিতে বাংলাদেশে সমকামী সম্প্রদায় প্রতিনিয়ত যে সকল কঠিন সংগ্রামের মাধ্যমে বেঁচে রয়েছে তাঁর উপর বিস্তারিত আলোকপাত করা করেছে।

জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা মহাসচিব এবং জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা সভাপতি অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানুর ইসলাম প্রতিবেদনটি সম্পাদনা করেছেন। তিনি প্রতিবেদনের মুখবন্ধে বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী সম্প্রদায় যেসব সহিংসতা, অবিচার, বৈষম্য, নির্যাতনের শিকার হয় তা নিরসনে তাঁর প্রতিষ্ঠিত মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জেএমবিডি এবং জেএমবিএফ আন্তরিকভাবে কাজ করবে বলে সংকল্প ব্যক্ত করেছেন।

JMBF Participates in UNESCO's 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) actively participated in the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of the European Union on December 11, 2023. The event served as a momentous occasion to reaffirm the global commitment to human rights and their crucial role in UNESCO's mission encompassing education, science, culture, and communication.

Focusing on UNESCO's Global Priorities—Africa and Gender Equality—the commemoration provided a platform for diverse perspectives, addressing the connections, challenges, and opportunities for impactful action in the realm of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, continues to be hailed as "the common standard of achievement for all people and all nations."

JMBF Participates in the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In a world grappling with challenges to human rights, France hosted a pivotal conference at the iconic Palais de Chaillot in Paris on December 10, 2023, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event, organized by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Minister of Justice, aimed to rekindle dialogue, foster international cooperation, and reaffirm the timeless importance of the Declaration as a foundation for fundamental rights and liberties.

The conference, titled "75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Defending the Rights of Everyone, Everywhere," was concluded by a powerful speech from the President of the Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron. The gathering served as a platform to address contemporary challenges to human rights and underline the universal and indivisible nature of these rights.

The event comprised three insightful round table discussions, exploring crucial themes: supporting and protecting human rights defenders, the new frontiers for rights, and fighting impunity everywhere.

Shahanur Islam's Blog Post Spotlighted in UK Home Office Report on LGBTQ+ Rights in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi prominent human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam's blog post on LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh has been highlighted in the "Country Policy and Information Note: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Bangladesh," published by the UK Home Office's Visa and Immigration department on September 5, 2023. Shahanur's article, titled "How can society promote equality and respect for LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh?" was one of the most highlighted pieces in the report.

Additionally, JusticeMakers Bangladesh, a prominent nonprofit organization, founded by Shahanur Islam, dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in Bangladesh, has received international recognition for its tireless efforts. In a recent report published by the Visa and Immigration department under the UK Home Office, JusticeMakers Bangladesh's activities and a notable blog post of Shahanur Islam have been prominently featured. 

জেএমবিএফ’’র বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবীদের বিরুদ্ধে সহিংসতার বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন প্রকাশ!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স-আগস্ট ১০,২০২৩: জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)সম্প্রতি ২০২২ সালে বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবীদের বিরুদ্ধে সংঘটিত সহিংসতার বেদনাদায়ক প্রবণতা সংক্রান্ত বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন প্রকাশ করেছে।

 উক্ত প্রতিবেদনে  ২০২২ সালের জানুয়ারি থেকে ডিসেম্বর মাস পর্যন্ত বাংলাদেশে আইনঅজীবীরা পেশাগত দায়িত্ব পালনে যে সকল সহিংসতা ও চ্যালেঞ্জের মুখোমুখি হয়েছে তাঁর একটি ভয়াবহ চিত্র তুলে ধরেছে এবং উক্ত উদ্বেগজনক পরিস্থিতি মোকাবেলায় জরুরি পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের জন্য সংশ্লিষ্ট কর্তৃপক্ষের নিকট আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।

JMBF Publishes Comprehensive Annual Report on Violence Against Lawyers in Bangladesh for 2022

Paris, France, August 10, 2023:  A shocking and distressing trend of violence against lawyers in Bangladesh has been unveiled by the recently published comprehensive annual report by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). The report, covering the period from January to December 2022, paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by legal professionals in the country and calls for urgent action to address the alarming situation.

The report, published in Paris, France on August 10, 2023, is a groundbreaking endeavor that sheds light on the disconcerting incidents of violence targeting lawyers in Bangladesh. It is a meticulous documentation of incidents that includes physical attacks, assault, beatings, murder, rape, kidnappings, fabrication of cases, arrests, threats, intimidation, attempted murder, and judicial harassment.