Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerned Over Police Brutality on Garment Workers' Peaceful Protest in Dhaka

Paris, France; March 26, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests police brutality against garment workers during their peaceful protest in Dhaka on March 25, 2025. The police’s deployment of sound grenades, tear gas, and baton charges against unarmed workers demanding their rightful dues before Eid ul-Fitr, resulting in approximately 40 workers being injured, is a flagrant violation of human rights and an unacceptable abuse of power.

JMBF urges an immediate investigation into the police's excessive use of force, accountability for those responsible, and the fulfillment of workers' demands for unpaid wages, Eid bonuses, and maternity leave. Furthermore, the government must protect workers' right to protest and ensure that victims of police brutality receive proper treatment and compensation.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF is Deeply Concerned Over the Politically Motivated, Fabricated Cases Against 291 Prominent Lawyers in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Comilla

Paris, France; March 21, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization committed to advancing human rights and upholding the rule of law, strongly condemns the politically motivated and fabricated charges filed against 291 prominent lawyers across multiple incidents in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Comilla. These highly respected legal professionals, known for their legal expertise and advocacy for justice, have been targeted by malicious and politically driven cases aimed at suppressing their voices and discrediting their professionalism.

JMBF asserts that the charges filed against these individuals include severe accusations such as murder, attempted murder, assault, bomb explosions, detonating explosives, vandalizing vehicles, and involvement in violent attacks on peaceful student protesters. These accusations are completely baseless and part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the integrity of the legal profession in Bangladesh. JMBF urges the government of Bangladesh to immediately drop the charge against those lawyers.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Continuous Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh and Demands Immediate International Intervention

(বাংলায় বিবৃতিটি পড়তে, অনুগ্রহপূর্বক ইংরেজি ভার্ষণের শেষে দেখুন)

Paris, France | March 18, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the ongoing violence and systematic persecution of religious minorities and indigenous communities in Bangladesh during the tenure of the current interim government led by former Nobel Laureate for Peace, Professor Muhammad Yunus. The recent surge in murders, rapes, religious persecution, and the destruction of homes and businesses exposes a severe human rights crisis and clear violations of fundamental rights, demanding urgent action from the international community.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Abduction and Rape of Two Sexual Minority Individuals in Rangpur and Narayanganj

Paris, France | March 16, 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent brutal acts of abduction and rape committed against two sexual minority individuals in Rangpur and Narayanganj, Bangladesh, on March 3 and March 8, 2025, respectively. The abduction, rape, and blackmail of a young man in Rangpur, along with the rape of another in Narayanganj, are appalling violations of human rights and stark reminders of the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh.

JMBF asserts that these horrific acts highlight the urgent need for stronger legal protections, immediate judicial action, and societal change to ensure justice and safety for sexual minorities in Bangladesh. The perpetrators of such heinous crimes must be held fully accountable, and law enforcement agencies must take swift and uncompromising action to prevent further victimization.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Police Brutality Against Anti-Rape Protesters in Dhaka

Paris, France | 14 March 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, vehemently condemns the brutal police attack on peaceful student protesters demonstrating against violence against women in Dhaka on March 11, 2025. The violent suppression of their democratic right to protest and the subsequent criminalization of student protesters through fabricated charges under the Bangladesh Penal Code constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression.

JMBF asserts that, at a time when students are demanding justice and accountability, the Bangladeshi authorities have resorted to violent repression, further exposing the state's systemic failure to address violence against women. The police's disproportionate use of force against protesters and the arbitrary filing of criminal charges against student leaders are deeply concerning and an outright attack on democratic principles.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Recent Attacks on Defense Lawyers in Jamalpur Solely for Performing Their Professional Duty

Paris, France – March 12, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the brutal attack on defense lawyers in Jamalpur, Bangladesh, on March 10, 2025, solely for performing their professional duty as legal representatives of the accused. This violent incident, which left three lawyers—Advocate Khalilur Rahman, Jamalpur Bar Association Vice President Advocate Abdul Awal, and Advocate Shahjahan Ali—seriously injured, is an alarming assault on the fundamental principles of justice, the independence of the legal profession, and the rule of law. Such actions not only violate the rights of the lawyers involved but also pose a direct threat to the fair trial rights of all individuals, undermining the legal system as a whole.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Politically Motivated Arbitrary Arrest and Detention of Several Lawyers in Bangladesh: Call for Immediate Unconditional Release

Paris, France; March 07, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, strongly condemns the recent wave of politically motivated arbitrary arrests and detention of several esteemed lawyers in Bangladesh, whose only "crime" is holding differing political beliefs and engaging in their professional duties. These actions, under the current Interim Government led by former Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, represent a stark violation of human rights, the principles of democracy, and the rule of law.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Extrajudicial Killings of Miraz Hossain and Md. Jummon by Joint Forces in Dhaka

Paris, France; February 21, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, vehemently condemns the extrajudicial killings of Miraz Hossain (25) and Md. Jummon (26) by joint forces, led by Bangladesh Army personnel, in the Mohammadpur area of Dhaka on the night of February 19, 2025. This horrifying incident raises serious alarm about the ongoing practice of extrajudicial killings and the disturbing disregard for human rights under the pretence of law enforcement, signifying a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

JMBF asserts that the extrajudicial killings of Miraz and Jummon flagrantly violate both Bangladesh's Constitution and international human rights law. Bangladesh is a signatory to international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which explicitly prohibit arbitrary executions and the use of excessive force by authorities. These rights are non-negotiable, and the government of Bangladesh is bound by these obligations. Thus, we demand that the Bangladesh government uphold its international legal commitments and ensure a thorough investigation of these deaths in line with both national and international human rights standards.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerned Over Mass Arrests of Opposition Political Activists in Operation Devil Hunt

Paris, France; February 15, 2025 – France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the mass arrests of opposition political activists, particularly leaders, activists, and supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings. These arrests carried out without legal warrants, have led to grave human rights violations under Operation Devil Hunt, which began on February 12, 2025, in Bangladesh.

This operation, conducted by a joint force comprising the Bangladesh Army, Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and even student groups allegedly involved in anti-discrimination efforts, has resulted in the arbitrary arrest of over 5,000 individuals without warrants or specific charges. Among those arrested are elderly individuals above 70 years of age, cancer patients, and women—many of whom are being targeted solely due to their political beliefs and affiliations with the Awami League and its associated organizations.

JMBF asserts that such a massive crackdown is being used as a tool to silence dissent and eliminate opposition voices. These politically motivated arrests violate fundamental human rights and undermine the principles of justice and due process.

Press and Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arbitrary Arrests of Six Lawyers in Different Parts of Bangladesh for Opposing Political Beliefs

Paris, France; February 10, 2025 – France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns and is deeply concerned over the recent wave of politically motivated arbitrary arrests of six lawyers in different parts of Bangladesh. These include Advocate Nurul Huda, Advocate Zahir Uddin, and Advocate Javed Hossain Monowar from the Lakshmipur Bar Association on February 3, 2025, and December 14, 2024; Advocate Aman Ullah Akash, President of the Jamalpur Bar Association on February 3, 2025; Advocate Rabiul Islam Robi from the Dhaka Bar Association on December 24, 2024; and Advocate Momtaz Uddin Mehdi, former Deputy Attorney General and Supreme Court Bar General Secretary on November 10, 2024. These arbitrary arrests represent a clear violation of fundamental rights and a direct attack on the independence of the legal profession, setting a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in Bangladesh.

JMBF asserts that the arrest and detention of these six lawyers have been carried out without due process, solely based on their professional and political engagements. Most of them have been implicated in cases where they were neither directly named in the First Information Report (FIR) nor had any evidence presented against them but were instead included in lists of unidentified suspects. In some cases, bail petitions were rejected outright, and they were sent to jail without any credible legal justification, reflecting an alarming pattern of judicial suppression aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

PRESS & PUBLIC STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Destruction of the Historical Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka

(বাংলায় বিবৃতিটি পড়তে, অনুগ্রহপূর্বক ইংরেজি ভার্ষণের শেষে দেখুন) Paris, France; February 08, 2025: The France-based human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the vicious spree of looting, arson, and vandalism that has targeted Bangladesh’s national heritage—specifically the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi, Dhaka—and the democratic institutions, homes, and business establishments of members of the Bangladesh Awami League across several parts of the country between February 05 and 07, 2025. These acts were perpetrated by a faction masquerading as the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement—a movement exploited by the current interim government led by former Nobel laureate for peace, Professor Mohammad Yunus—which constitutes a gross violation of human rights as established under international standards.

JMBF asserts that the deliberate attack on the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, along with the targeted assaults on the residences and business establishments of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other prominent leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League, represents not only a disgraceful act of lawlessness and a direct affront to our nation’s values but also a blatant violation of the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Heinous Murder of Transgender Activist Shila in Rangamati: Calls for Immediate Justice and Legal Reforms

(বাংলায় বিবৃতিটি পড়তে, অনুগ্রহপূর্বক ইংরেজি ভার্ষণের শেষে দেখুন) Paris, France | February 06, 2025: France-based hulan rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and outraged by the barbaric and targeted murder of transgender activist Shila, who was brutally killed in her home in Betbunia, Rangamati district, on February 3, 2025. Shila was a courageous advocate for transgender rights, a champion of social justice, and a beacon of hope for marginalized transgender communities in Bangladesh. Her horrific murder—marked by extreme violence and a clear intent to silence her voice—is a gross violation of human rights and demands immediate and uncompromising action.

JMBF unequivocally condemns this cowardly and premeditated act of terror, which not only took the life of a fearless activist but also sent a chilling message to the entire transgender and LGBT+ community. This crime underscores the deep-rooted discrimination, systemic violence, and impunity that sexual minorities continue to face in Bangladesh due to social stigma, legal barriers, and state negligence.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Islamic Fundamentalist Group Attacks on Women's Football Matches in Joypurhat and Dinajpur

Paris, France; February 3, 2025: The France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), unequivocally condemns the recent attacks and acts of vandalism perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalist groups under the banner of Touhidi Janata against women's football matches in Joypurhat and Dinajpur on January 28, 2025. These violent actions not only threaten the safety and freedom of female footballers but also undermine the fundamental rights of women to participate in sports and public life in Bangladesh. This is a gross violation of human rights and the fundamental principles of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

JMBF urges the interim government of Bangladesh, led by former Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, to investigate the incident through a judicial committee headed by a justice from the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. We call for the immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators and demand exemplary punishment through a transparent tribunal. Additionally, we urge the government to provide adequate financial compensation to the organizers without delay.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Extrajudicial Killing of Md. Touhidul Islam Due to Inhumane Torture by Joint Forces in Kumilla

Paris, France; February 1, 2025: France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its deepest outrage and condemnation over the alleged extrajudicial killing of Md. Touhidul Islam, a 40-year-old leader of the Jubo Dal, reportedly died due to inhumane torture inflicted by joint forces led by the Bangladesh Army on January 31, 2025, in Cumilla.

This heinous act of extrajudicial killing represents a gross violation of human rights as declared by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh, national laws, and international human rights instruments to which Bangladesh is a party.

JMBF demands an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Md. Touhidul Islam. This investigation must be conducted by a justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, not under military jurisdiction, to ensure credibility and justice.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Forceful Withdrawal of Candidature in District Advocate Bar Association Election 2025 in Naogaon and Sirajganj

Paris, France; January 30, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent violent and unlawful actions that have taken place in the relation of District Advocate Bar Association Executive Body Elections, held on January 30, 2025, across various regions of Bangladesh, including Naogaon, Sirajganj, and Rajbari.

The incidents on January 25 & 24, 2025, in Naogaon, January 16, 2025, in Sirajganj, and January 29, 2025, in Rajbari, where members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and political figures affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Amar Bangla (AB) Party forced the withdrawal of independent and Coordinated Lawyer Council candidates backed by the Bangladesh Awami League for the District Advocate Bar Association Executive Body Election 2025 through physical assault, harassment, coercion, threats of violence, and intimidation, represent a gross violation of human rights. These actions are a direct attack on the very principles of justice, rule of law, and democracy.

JMBF calls on the Bangladesh Government to take immediate and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable, cancel these one-sided elections, and reschedule the date for the District Advocate Bar Association Election. Additionally, JMBF demands that the government ensure the safety of all candidates and lawyers involved in these elections and guarantee that these violent acts never again threaten the democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh.

Recruitment Announcement: Bar Representative-Lawyer (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Position: Bar Representative-Lawyer (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Organization: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

Programme: Combatting Violence Against Lawyers in Bangladesh

About Us:

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is a France-based, independent, non-profit, and nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France (Registration No. W931027714 under the Association Law of 1901). JMBF is dedicated to defending human rights, advocating for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond. Learn more at www.jmbf.org.

Our mission is to promote, defend, and educate on human rights, including civil and political rights, irrespective of sex, caste, race, or faith. We provide legal advocacy and support for Bangladeshi lawyers who are at risk due to their professional work addressing human rights violations.

JMBF is currently seeking passionate and committed Bar Representatives-Lawyers (volunteer, unpaid) for all courts to join our Combatting Violence Against Lawyers in Bangladesh Programme.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Discriminatory Actions Against Homosexual Assistant Professor by Islamic University, Kushtia

Paris, France; January 29, 2025: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF), expresses its deep concern and condemnation over the decision by Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia to place Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam on mandatory leave for one year and cancel his annual increment, following allegations of homosexuality on January 26, 2025. These punitive measures represent a gross violation of human rights, freedom of expression, and dignity.

JMBF asserts that this action, stemming from allegations alone and without transparent due process, not only tarnishes the reputation of a faculty member but also sets a dangerous precedent for perpetuating discrimination and stigmatization of individuals based on their sexual orientation. Such practices go against Bangladesh’s constitutional commitment to equality and justice for all citizens and stand in direct conflict with global human rights standards.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Denounces Police Brutality on Peaceful Assembly by Ibtedayi Teachers in Dhaka

Paris, France; January 26, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation of the violent police assault on peaceful Ibtedayi teacher protesters at Shahbagh, Dhaka, today, January 26, 2025. The brutal use of batons, sound grenades, water cannons, and tear gas against Ibtedayi teachers—six of whom, including one woman, were injured—constitutes a blatant violation of human rights, Bangladesh’s Constitution, and international human rights standards.

JMBF asserts that the Ibtedayi teachers, under the Ibtedayi Madrasa Teachers' Unity Alliance, were peacefully marching to demand the nationalization of their jobs and the implementation of a six-point demand, a legitimate cause recognized by recommendations from the Dhaka University Institute of Education and Research. This peaceful demonstration was met with unprovoked violence by the authorities, which is unacceptable in a democratic society.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Recent Unjust Detention of Two Lesbian Women at Islamic University, Kushtia, on Allegations of Homosexuality

Paris, France; January 23, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), is deeply alarmed and outraged by the recent detention of two lesbian women at Khaleda Zia Hall of Islamic University (IU). Among the detained women, one student was forcefully expelled from the university residence hall, while another woman was handed over to the police solely because of their sexual orientation on January 21, 2025.

JMBF asserts that the actions taken by the hall authorities—including the unjust detention of these two women, the expulsion of a lesbian residential student based on allegations of homosexuality, and the handing over of an outsider to police custody—constitute a gross violation of human rights, blatant discrimination, and a disregard for the principles of justice and human dignity.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Unjust Imprisonment of Eight Lawyers in Khulna: Calls for Immediate Release & Dropping of Charges

Paris, France; January 17, 2025: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), is deeply concerned and strongly protests the politically motivated imprisonment of eight pro-Awami League lawyers, as well as the implication of 28 pro-Awami League lawyers of the Khulna District Lawyers' Association in false and fabricated cases by pro-BNP lawyers. On January 12, 2025, these legal professionals were unjustly detained following an order by Khulna Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md. Sharif Hossain Haider, in connection with a case that many believe to be fabricated and politically driven.

JMBF asserts that this incident is not just an attack on these individual lawyers—it is an assault on the fundamental principles of justice, legal independence, and democracy in Bangladesh. The use of the judiciary as a tool to silence political opposition is a deeply troubling sign of authoritarianism creeping into the legal system. The very professionals who uphold the law are now being victimized by the system they have sworn to serve.

JMBF urges the immediate release of all eight detained lawyers, as well as the dropping of charges against all 28 lawyers without conditions.