Press & Public Statement: JMBF Condemns the Arrest of Lady Biker Esha: A Disturbing Act of Homophobic Injustice

"Please read the French version below"

Paris, France | March 25, 2025:  France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation regarding the recent arrest and imprisonment of Irin Jahan Esha Sheikh, widely known as the “Lady Biker,” in Khulna, Bangladesh.

It has become increasingly evident that Esha was not detained based on any credible evidence of criminal activity, but was instead targeted because of her identity as a lesbian and her consensual romantic relationship with another woman. This case represents yet another tragic instance of the criminalization of same-sex relationships and the systematic persecution of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

JMBF Holds Key Meetings with Amnesty International France and ARDHIS in Paris

"Please read the French and Bengali versions below"

Paris, April 24, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) held two bilateral meetings in Paris on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) with Amnesty International France and the Association for the Recognition of the Rights of Homosexual and Trans Persons to Immigration and Residence (ARDHIS). The discussions focused on the deteriorating state of LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh and potential avenues for international collaboration.

JMBF Engages in Bilateral Meeting with the Embassy of France in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) attended a significant bilateral meeting with the Embassy of France in Bangladesh held at the French Embassy premises in Dhaka today on March 27, 2025. The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of JMBF and Emilie PALAHOUANE, Political Affairs and Cooperation Attachée of the Embassy of France.

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 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 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 Calls for Adequate Investigation into the Alleged Murder of Mau Hijra in Jessore

Paris, France; January 2, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), is deeply appalled and outraged by the suspicious and tragic death of Mau Hijra in Jessore, Bangladesh, which appears to be a premeditated act of murder disguised as a natural death on December 1, 2024.

JMBF believes that such abhorrent acts not only represent a blatant violation of human dignity but also highlight the rampant impunity and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, particularly the Hijra community in Bangladesh.

The organization asserts that the allegations against Mau Hijra's house owner, Fateh Begum, along with her associates—who are accused of orchestrating her death and looting her possessions—demand an immediate and uncompromising investigation.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Suspension of High School Teacher on Grounds of Sexual Orientation

Paris, France; November 02, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the recent suspension of Haroon Or Rashid Milan, principal of Kurigram Collectorate School and College, on August 25, 2024, in Kurugram. This decision represents a troubling trend toward targeting individuals based on unproven accusations related to their sexual orientation rather than any substantiated evidence of misconduct.

STATEMENT:JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Violence Against LGBTQI+ Members in Bangladesh

Paris, France; September 16, 2024: Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound concern and condemnation regarding the recent wave of violence, harassment, and looting targeting LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex) members across various parts of Bangladesh. Following the fall of the Awami League government and under the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Islamist fundamentalist groups have intensified their violent and inhumane acts against sexual minorities, violating their fundamental human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Cancellation of Transgender Quota at Dhaka University and Attacks on Transgender Candidates in Rangpur

Paris, France; December 26, 2023: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and protests over the announcement of the cancellation of the transgender quota set by Dhaka University authorities in undergraduate education, in response to the movement by reactionary Muslim students. JMBF also condemns the attack on Anwara Islam Rani, a transgender independent candidate in the Rangpur-3 constituency during the 12th national election.

JMBF believes that despite being part of the backward and neglected groups in society, the cancellation of the transgender quota by Dhaka University authorities, influenced by the reactionary Muslim students' movement, and the incident of the attack on Anwara Islam Rani, an independent candidate in Rangpur-3 constituency during the 12th National Assembly elections by the leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party, a self-proclaimed opposition party in the Jatiya Sangsad, is a clear violation of Bangladesh's supreme law, the Constitution, and the universal human rights declared by the United Nations.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে স্নাতক শিক্ষাক্রমে ট্রান্সজেণ্ডার কোটা বাতিল এবং রংপুরে জাতীয় সংসদ সদস্য পদপার্থী ট্রান্সজেণ্ডার নারীর উপর হামলার ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীরভাবে উদ্বিগ্ন!

প্যারিস,ফ্রান্স;২৬ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩: প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল মুসলিম ছাত্র ছাত্রীদের আন্দোলনের মূখে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কর্তৃপক্ষ কর্তৃক স্নাতক পর্যায়ের শিক্ষাক্রমে নির্ধারিত ট্রান্সজেন্ডার কোটা বাতিলের ঘোষণা এবং দ্বাদশ জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনে রংপুর-৩ আসনে ট্রান্সজেন্ডার নারী স্বতন্ত্র প্রার্থী আনোয়ারা ইসলাম রানীর উপর আক্রমণের ঘটনায় ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)গভীর উদ্বেগ ও প্রতিবাদ জানিয়েছে।

সমাজের পশ্চাদপদ অবহেলিত জনগোষ্ঠির অংশ হওয়া স্বত্তেও শুধুমাত্র যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের অন্তর্ভূক্ত হওয়ায় প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল মুসলিম ছাত্র ছাত্রীদের আন্দোলনের মূখে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কর্তৃপক্ষ কর্তৃক স্নাতক পর্যায়ের শিক্ষাক্রমে নির্ধারিত ট্রান্সজেন্ডার কোটা বাতিলের ঘোষণা এবং বর্তমান সরকারের সহযোগী ও জাতীয় সংসদের তথাকথিত বিরোধী দল জাতীয় পার্টির নেতা কর্মীদের দ্বারা দ্বাদশ জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনে রংপুর-৩ আসনে স্বতন্ত্র প্রার্থী ট্রান্সজেন্ডার নারী আনোয়ারা ইসলাম রানীর উপর আক্রমণের ঘটনা বাংলাদেশের সর্বোচ্চ আইন সংবিধান ও জাতিসংঘ ঘোষিত সার্বজনীন মানবাধিকারের সুস্পষ্ট লংঘন বলে জেএমবিএফ মনে করে।

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.

Statement: JMBF expresses deep concern about the restriction of a transgender woman from participating in the Women's Career Carnival as a speaker at North South University.

Paris, France; November 26, 2023: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed profound concern and protest over the cancellation of the scheduled session featuring Bangladeshi transgender woman Ho Chi Minh Islam as a speaker at the Women's Career Carnival. The cancellation was reportedly influenced by pressure from conservative student groups at North South University. JMBF believes that the discriminatory treatment of Ho Chi Minh Islam, solely because she is a transgender woman, is a blatant violation of Bangladesh's Supreme Law Constitution and the universal human rights declared by the United Nations.

Based on various reliable sources, JMBF has learned that on November 24-25, 2023, two organizations, Heroes for All and ISOSHAL, organized the Women's Career Carnival at the North South University campus. The event aimed to empower women through networking, learning, and professional development. Transgender woman and rights activist Ho Chi Minh Islam was scheduled to participate as a speaker in a session on the afternoon of November 24. Her speech was intended to address the inclusion of marginalized communities in the workforce and the creation of an inclusive environment for their work.

Statement: JMBF Urges Justice for the Killing of Homosexual Butcher Khairul Islam in Dhaka

Paris, France; November 20, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern over the recent tragic and heinous murder of Khairul Islam, a gay butcher at Dakkhinkhan in Dhaka on the night of November 12, 2023.

The rights organization urges the government to give exemplary punishment to the alleged culprit through a prompt and fair trial. Additionally, they call for immediate measures to protect members of the LGBT community, preventing similar incidents in the future.

According to reports from various Bangladeshi news media, police recovered Butcher Khairul's bloodied body wrapped in a blanket from his shop in Dakshinkhan police station in Dhaka on the night of September 12, 2023. One wound was found on his nose, and three sharp weapon wounds were discovered on his neck. Initially, investigators had no leads, but later, individuals were arrested on suspicion. During intensive interrogation, Shahidul Islam, a butcher from a nearby shop, admitted that he worked at Judge Mia's meat shop in Adam Ali Market. Every day, after selling meat, he went home to Bereid. However, on the day of the incident, Khairul asked him to sleep in his shop, "Afsal Gost Bitan." Shahidul agreed, and around 11 o'clock, Khairul allegedly attempted a homosexual advance. Shahidul, angered by this, hit Khairul's face with a meat cutter chapati from Khairul's butcher's box, causing him to fall. Shahidul then struck Khairul's right-side neck more than three times to ensure his death. After confirming the victim's death, he wiped the body with a blanket, placed it in a box, covered Khairul with another blanket, and fled the scene.

Statement: JMBF Demands Prompt Justice for Murder of Self-Identified Transgender Drummer in Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 22, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, is deeply concerned about the brutal murder of Babul Mridha (60), a drummer in a transgender Hijra group, in Naria upazila under the Shariyatpur district in Bangladesh.

JMBF demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice under the law by identifying and apprehending those responsible for this heinous act through a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation and trial.

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. 

Statement: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Negative Portrayal of Homosexuality in Daily Sangram

Paris, France: September 9, 2023 - The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed its profound dismay and concern over the negative portrayal of Bangladeshi homosexuals in the Daily Sangram newspaper, published in Dhaka.

The human rights organization calls upon the newspaper to issue an immediate apology for disseminating negative content regarding homosexuals and urges it to refrain from spreading further misinformation about homosexuality.

Statement : JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Murder of Gay Teacher Golam Kibria in Savar, Dhaka

Paris, France: August 20, 2023 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the tragic and heinous murder of Golam Kibria, a gay school teacher and member of the sexual minority community, in Savar, Dhaka, allegedly by the individuals associated with extremist Islamic ideologies.

The organization expresses profound concern over this act of violence and demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. JMBF insists on an impartial and expeditious inquiry, followed by a transparent trial, to ensure that the perpetrators responsible for this grave crime are brought to justice.