BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strongly Condemns the Killing of a Pir in Kushtia by an Islamist Extremist Mob

Paris, France | 12 April 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern, strong protest, and unequivocal condemnation over the brutal attack, arson, looting, and the merciless beating and hacking to death of Pir Shamim Reza, also known as Jahangir, at his shrine in Daulatpur, Kushtia on 11 April, following allegations of blasphemy by an Islamist extremist mob.

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 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.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned Over Recent Death of Three Individuals Due to Torture by Law Enforcement Agencies

Paris, France; December 16, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the heinous and unlawful acts of torture and killing carried out by law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, which have resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals: Rafiqul Islam Dudu, Hazrat Ali, and Atiq Hasan Sardar on December 13, 06, and 03, 2024, respectively. These incidents, which occurred in the first half of December 2024, highlight a disturbing pattern of police, army, and joint force brutality and blatant violations of both national and international human rights standards.

JMBF is horrified by the alleged gross human rights violations committed by law enforcement officers, who are entrusted with the duty of protecting citizens, not causing harm under the present interim government led by Nobel laureate for peace, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus. These individuals were subjected to extreme torture and inhumane treatment, leading to their deaths under suspicious circumstances.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Refraining of Professor from All Academic Activities at Islamic University, Kushtia, Due to Sexual Orientation

Paris, France; October 26, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the recent decision to refrain Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam of the Development Studies Department at Islamic University, Kushtia, from all departmental activities, including teaching, due to allegations of homosexuality made on October 23, 2024.

The actions of the university authorities, including barring him from all departmental activities, represent a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and academic freedom. Such actions perpetuate discrimination, intolerance, and fear, contradicting the principles of human dignity and equality.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Vandalism of Lalon Akhra in Kushtia!

Paris, France:The France-based human rights organization, Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed deep outrage and concern over the incident of the destruction of the Akhra of Baul Nishan Ali in Mirpur, Kushtia, on the night of June 7, 2024. The human rights organization has called for the immediate identification and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.

Statement: JusticeMakers Bangladesh is gravely concerned over sexual harassment on a student of Islamic University, Kustia.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh is deeply concerned over the recent incident of sexual harassment, physical and psychological torture and death threats on a first year student of Islamic University, Kustia in Bangladesh led by Sanjida Chowdhury, Vice President of Bangladesh Student League, student wing of ruling party Bangladesh Awami League, Islamic University branch on 12 February late night to 13 February early morning, 2023.

Simultaneously, JusticeMakers Bangladesh urged the concerned authority to form a judicial probe committee to find out the alleged culprit, aiming to bring them before the book conducting a quick and impartial investigation.