Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Ban on the Bangladesh Awami League and Its Affiliates

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Paris, France | May 12, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation of the interim government's decision to ban all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League—Bangladesh’s largest democratic political party—and its affiliated organizations and supporters. This decision, made under the guise of national security, is a dangerous and unconstitutional measure that flagrantly violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh and contradicts international human rights norms.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attack on Former Law Minister and Senior Advocate Anisul Huq at Narayanganj Court

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Paris, France; April 29, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation and deepest outrage over the reprehensible assault on former Law Minister and senior lawyer Advocate Anisul Huq at the entrance of the Narayanganj court premises on April 28, 2025.

JMBF asserts that this shameful and violent act — carried out in broad daylight by a section of lawyers, individuals who are themselves, officers of the court — is an attack not only on Advocate Anisul Huq personally but also on the very principles of justice, rule of law, and judicial independence that underpin a democratic society. The courtroom and its surroundings are sacred spaces for the administration of justice, where violence and intimidation must have no place under any circumstances.

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 & 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 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.

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls on EU Ambassadors to Raise Concerns About Gross Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh Under the Present Interim Government During Meeting with the Chief Adviser

Paris, France; December 8, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France base human rights organisation urgently appeals to Ambassadors from all European Union (EU) countries to collectively address the ongoing and egregious human rights violations in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. These violations have intensified following the mass uprisings of August 5, 2024, which led to the collapse of the Bangladesh Awami League-led government. The upcoming meeting between EU heads of mission and the Chief Adviser on December 9, 2024, offers a crucial opportunity for the international community to stand for justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Physical Assault on Lawyer During Court Hearing of Former Minister Amir Hossain

Paris, France; November 07, 2024:JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the violent physical assault on Advocate Swapan Krishna Roy Chowdhury on 7 November 2024, during the remand hearing of former minister and Awami League advisory council member Amir Hossain Amu. This act, committed in the presence of a magistrate at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, undermines not only the safety and independence of legal professionals but also threatens the foundational right to a fair trial.

STATEMENT: JMBF Welcomes UN High Commissioner Volker Türk’s Visit to Bangladesh, Calling for Urgent Action on Human Rights Violations and Judicial Independence

Paris, France | October 29, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) welcomes the visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, to Bangladesh from October 29 to 30, 2024. This visit comes at a critical moment, as Bangladesh faces urgent human rights concerns under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, alongside documented abuses under the previous government led by Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

JMBF believes this visit provides a pivotal opportunity to address Bangladesh’s human rights and rule-of-law challenges following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, and the interim government’s assumption of power on August 8, 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL)

Paris, France; October 23, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the recent ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) by the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate for Peace, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, announced on October 23, 2024, under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009. This decision, taken in response to demands from the student movement against discrimination, raises serious questions about the government’s motivations and the broader implications for civil liberties and democratic practices in Bangladesh.

The decision to ban the BCL, a 76-year-old pro-Awami League student organization, came in response to demands from a student movement against discrimination, following an ultimatum by the students to intensify their demonstrations if the BCL was not banned within the week. JMBF questions the legitimacy of a decision made under pressure from the protests and whether it genuinely serves the interests of justice or reflects an attempt to appease certain factions in a politically charged environment.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Protests the Indemnity Decision Concerning Violent Incidents during the July-August Mass Uprising

Two police officers were killed and seen hanging upside
down from a footbridge on a road in Dhaka.

Paris, France; October 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the recent announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh interim government, which grants indemnity to those involved in the violent incidents during the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh. This decision, which effectively exempts those responsible for violence and disorder from facing legal consequences, represents a betrayal of the principles of justice and accountability.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned About the Recent Rise in Mob Violence and Lynchings in Bangladesh

Paris, France | October 06, 2024:JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and alarm over the sharp rise in mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the political upheaval triggered by the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, and the subsequent establishment of an interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8, 2024.

Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Killing of Former Student League Leaders at Dhaka, Jahangirnagar, and Rajshahi Universities by Mob Justice

Paris, France – September 20, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound concern and outrage over the rise in political violence in Bangladesh, particularly the targeted attacks on members of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliates. These violent incidents, which have escalated since the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power, are being perpetrated under the banner of the so-called "Anti-Discrimination Student-Citizen Movement," driven by extremist factions including Jamaat, BNP, Hefazat-e-Islam, and their militant student wings.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Politically Motivated Cases Against Awami League Leaders in Sirajganj, Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 29, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the politically motivated and fabricated case filed on August 27, 2024, against four local Awami League (AL) leaders and approximately 6,000 unnamed individuals, accusing them of killing 15 police personnel at Enayetpur Police Station in Sirajganj on August 4, 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns the Arrests of Ansar Members and Calls for Peaceful Resolution

Paris, France; August 27, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern regarding the recent arrest of Ansar members during their demonstration advocating for job nationalization, following violent clashes with students, who are a key force in the current interim government in Bangladesh.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Obstruction of Legal Representation & Violent Assaults of Former Two Ministers

Paris, France; August 24, 2024:JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the obstruction of legal representation, denial of self-defense, and the physical assault and molestation of former Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni and former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Arif Khan Joy at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka on August 20, 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls on OHCHR to Investigate All Violence Before and After the Fall of Hasina's Government

Paris, France; August 23, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is profoundly alarmed by the recent surge of violence in Bangladesh during the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement and following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in July-August 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Widespread Vandalism of Cultural and Historical Monuments in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 21, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the widespread vandalism, destruction, and desecration of cultural and historical monuments across Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024.These horrific acts of vandalism, which targeted approximately 1,500 sculptures, murals, and monuments—including those dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other symbols of our liberation struggle—represent a direct assault on our cultural heritage, history, and national identity.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Brutal Attacks on Those Paying Respects to the Founding Father of the Bengali Nation

Paris, France; August 18, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and profound outrage over recent reports of severe human rights violations in Bangladesh. These include brutal violence, suppression of fundamental rights, and the targeting of Awami League leaders and activists. The attacks on peaceful individuals attempting to pay respects at the residence of the Founding Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on the 49th anniversary of his assassination, August 15, 2024, are egregious violations of basic human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Denial of Legal Representation During Proceedings Against Salman F Rahman and Advocate Anisul Huq in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent legal proceedings involving Mr. Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to former Prime Minister and former law minister Advocate Anisul Huq in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The developments surrounding their arrest and subsequent treatment in the courtroom on August 14, 2024, are alarming and indicative of a politically motivated misuse of the legal system.

According to a report published in The Daily Star today on August 15, 2024, Mr. Rahman and Mr. Huq were placed on a 10-day remand by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mamunur Rashid on yesterday August 14, 2024, in connection with a case over the death of a shopkeeper in New Market on July 16, 2024. It is deeply troubling that during the court proceedings, pro-BNP-Jamaat lawyers actively prevented any legal representation for the accused. Two lawyers who bravely attempted to represent Mr. Rahman and Advocate Huq were not only denied entry into the courtroom but were also subjected to physical assault by unruly BNP-Jamaat lawyers.

STATEMENT: JMBF Deeply Condemns and Calls for Justice Regarding the Tragic Violence in Bangladesh

Paris, France: August 04, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF) strongly condemns the atrocious acts of violence, including death, injury, and vandalism, that have erupted in Bangladesh today, August 04, 2024.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, at least 98 people, including 14 policemen, have died, and countless others were injured in day-long clashes between protesters supported by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated wings, other opposition parties, police, and the ruling party Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings. These clashes centered on the non-cooperation movement called by Students Against Discrimination (SAD).