Ban on Bail in Rape Cases: Justice or a Risky Precedent?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

In response to the recent alarming rise in rape cases, the interim government of Bangladesh has introduced a sweeping legal reform—banning bail in all rape cases and mandating trials to conclude within 90 days. Additionally, investigation reports must be submitted within 15 days. While this bold move aims to strengthen justice, it also raises critical concerns about fairness, human rights, and the effectiveness of the judicial system.

A Necessary Step to Deter Crime

Rape is a heinous crime, and a weak judicial process allows offenders to act with impunity. A stringent legal framework ensures justice for survivors and instills fear among perpetrators. Eliminating bail could serve as a strong deterrent, preventing criminals from manipulating legal loopholes to evade punishment.

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.

The Democracy of Rape: A New Chapter in the Yunus Era

Advocate Shahanur Islam

The country is now experiencing the full flavor of democracy! After years of struggle, foreign intervention, and mass protests, Sheikh Hasina’s government has fallen. The dream was that tyranny would end, justice would prevail, and freedom would flourish. But what a cruel twist of fate! Within just six months, the nation has turned into a battleground—where rape, murder, and lawlessness have become the daily headlines.

Do you remember that viral poster from the protests? A young woman, clad in a burqa with a mask, sat on the street holding a white placard that read: “Fuck me, but we want Sheikh Hasina’s fall.” Back then, it was hailed as a symbol of liberation, a call for democracy. But today, it seems that call has been taken far too literally—except now, it’s the most vulnerable who are paying the price.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Communal Violence in Bangladesh and Protests Against Government Denial

Paris, France: February 5, 2025: The France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the alarming rise in communal violence targeting religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh between August 21, 2024, and December 31, 2024. According to credible reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, 174 incidents of violence occurred during this period, resulting in the tragic deaths of 23 individuals from minority communities. These atrocities included 9 horrific cases of torture, rape, and gang rape of women, attacks on 64 places of worship, the destruction and looting of 38 homes and businesses, and the forcible occupation of 25 properties. Additionally, 15 individuals were arrested and tortured on baseless allegations of insulting religion.

JMBF asserts that such systematic violence against minority communities is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and an assault on the principles of justice, equality, and religious freedom. It is deeply disturbing that, instead of addressing these grave issues, the interim government of Bangladesh, through the Chief Advisor's Press Wing, has chosen to deny and dismiss these incidents as mere political propaganda.