BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over the Handover of Two Students to Police in Dinajpur on Allegations of Homosexuality

Paris, France | 14 February 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the incident in which two young men were detained, interrogated, confined, and handed over to the police on allegations of “homosexuality” in an area adjacent to Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur on 19 January 2026. JMBF firmly considers this incident to be a blatant violation of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to privacy, and a heinous example of unlawful mob persecution.

JMBF Founder Shahanur Islam Presents Landmark Paper on Queer Asylum at Major European Conference

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France | 21 December 2025: Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of the JusticeMakers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF), presented a landmark paper at Shaping Tomorrow: Queer Asylum in Europe, a high-level international conference held in Amsterdam on 20 and 21 November 2025, organised by COC Netherlands.

The conference brought together activists, scholars, legal professionals, LGBTQI+ community organizers, and refugees to examine the rapidly evolving landscape of LGBTIQ+ asylum in Europe. Discussions focused on the impact of shifting asylum policies, changing societal attitudes, political discourse, and the introduction of the EU Migration Pacton people seeking protection due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over the Conspiratorial Arrest of a Gay Teacher of Dhaka University

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 15 November 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the conspiratorial arrest and imprisonment of Dhaka University (DU) Chemistry Department Professor Dr. Ershad Halim on 13 November, based solely on fabricated and conspiratorial allegations of sexual harassment of male students, allegedly due to his belonging to the gay community, as part of the continued pattern of discrimination and targeted harassment against sexual minority groups in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Violence and Arbitrary Arrests of the Hijra (Third Gender) Community in Chattogram and Narayanganj

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; 19 October 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the brutal attacks and arbitrary arrests of members of the Hijra (third gender) community on 10 September in Boalkhali, Chattogram, and on 17 September in Rupganj, Narayanganj.

JMBF calls for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators, as well as the unconditional release of the arrested Hijras and the withdrawal of all false cases filed against them.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF strongly condemns and protests the vandalism of the food cart and threats against sexual minority intersex woman Jannatul Nayeem Pori in Dhaka

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’

Paris, France; August 27, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern, strong condemnation, and outrage over the incidents of vandalism, destruction of a food cart, and threats made by local influential individuals against sexual minority intersex woman Shawon Islam, also known as Jannatul Nayeem Pori, in Uttara, Dhaka, on August 17 and 18, 2025.

At the same time, the France-based human rights organization JMBF has strongly urged the immediate arrest of those involved, the filing of cases under existing laws, and the swift and transparent trial of the perpetrators to ensure exemplary punishment.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF expresses deep concern and outrage over the lifetime expulsion of transgender female student Sahara Chowdhury from Sylhet Metropolitan University

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’

Paris, France; 20 August 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern, anger, and strong protest over the lifetime expulsion of transgender female student Safwan Chowdhury Rebel, also known as Sahara Chowdhury, from Sylhet Metropolitan University on 10 August. The expulsion was carried out under pressure from organized groups solely on the basis of her gender identity and sexual orientation, without any specific reason being provided.

JMBF believes that this decision is not only unjust and discriminatory, but also contrary to the Constitution of Bangladesh, existing laws, international human rights treaties, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Depriving a student of the right to education based on gender identity or sexual orientation constitutes a violation of fundamental rights.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Brutal Killing of Gay Man Rafiqul Islam in Gazipur

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’.

Paris, France; 26 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the premeditated and brutal murder of Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, a gay man, in Gazipur on the night of 19 July 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the deliberate killing of Rafiqul Islam solely based on his sexual orientation constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns the Brutal Murder of Gay Electrician Parvez Hasan and Urges Immediate Action to End Violence Against the LGBT+ Community

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’.

Paris, France; 13 July 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the brutal murder of gay electrician Parvez Hasan (35) in Rupganj, Narayanganj, widely recognized as a hate crime rooted in his sexual orientation.

JMBF firmly believes that murdering a person solely because of their same-sex relationship constitutes a grave violation of existing laws, the Constitution of Bangladesh, and the fundamental human rights enshrined by the United Nations.

JMBF Secretary General Attends Queer Film Screening at French Ambassador’s Residence in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh; June 25, 2025: Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), attended a special queer film screening hosted by the Embassy of France in Dhaka, held at the official residence of Her Excellency Ms. Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh.

The event was organized as part of Queer Week 2025, a global initiative celebrating LGBTQI+ culture, identity, and rights through art and dialogue. The French Embassy’s initiative offered a safe and inclusive space for conversation and representation of queer voices through cinema.

BANGLADESH: JMBF deeply concerned over arson and looting at the residence of sexual minority Sohel Asha in Brahmanbaria!

To read the Bengali and French versions, please scroll down and click ‘More’.

Paris, France; 24 June 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the planned arson and looting carried out by extremists on Friday, 20 June 2025, at the residence of sexual minority hijra Sohel Asha in Kali Kachh Union, Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria.

JMBF firmly believes that this barbaric attack is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a glaring reflection of the ongoing discrimination, violence, and social exclusion faced by gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH: Condemnation of the brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra in Jessore and call for urgent legal reforms to protect human rights for LGBT individuals without discrimination

To read the Bengali and French versions, scroll below.

Paris, France | June 12, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and outrage over the premeditated brutal attack on Nazrul Hijra, a well-known third-gender Hijra individual from Baliaghat village in Jessore district. On the night of Wednesday, May 28, around 10:30 PM, local assailants armed with traditional weapons violently assaulted him, severely injuring him and looting eight tolas of gold jewelry. He is currently receiving treatment at Jessore General Hospital.

JMBF State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2024

JMBF State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2024 by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তি: মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ-এর বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪ প্রকাশ

সম্পূর্ণ প্রতিবেদনটি পড়তে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ অধিকার বিষয়ক বাৎসরিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪।

প্যারিস, ১৭ মে ২০২৫: ফ্রান্সভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) আজ ‘বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪’ আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে প্রকাশ করেছে। ফ্রান্সের রাজধানী প্যারিস থেকে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তির মাধ্যমে সংগঠনটি ২০২৪ সালের জানুয়ারি থেকে ডিসেম্বর পর্যন্ত সময়কালে বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ সম্প্রদায়ের ওপর সংঘটিত সহিংসতা, নিপীড়ন ও বৈষম্যমূলক আচরণের বিস্তারিত চিত্র তুলে ধরে।

প্রতিবেদনটি বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন জাতীয় ও আঞ্চলিক পত্রিকা, অনলাইন সংবাদমাধ্যম এবং জেএমবিএফ-এর নিজস্ব অনুসন্ধান ও তথ্যভাণ্ডারের ভিত্তিতে প্রস্তুত করা হয়েছে বলে বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। এতে লেসবিয়ান, গে, ট্রান্সজেন্ডার, ইন্টারসেক্স এবং যৌন সংখ্যালঘু অন্যান্য ব্যক্তিদের ওপর সংঘটিত হত্যাকাণ্ড, শারীরিক নির্যাতন, আত্মহত্যা, পুলিশি হয়রানি, গ্রেপ্তার, মিথ্যা মামলাসহ নানা রকম মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের তথ্য উপস্থাপিত হয়েছে।

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases 2024 Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh

To read the full report, click here: Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2024.

Paris, 17 May 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially published the “2024 Annual LGBTQ+ Rights Report of Bangladesh” today. Through a press release from the capital city of Paris, the organization outlines a detailed picture of the violence, oppression, and discriminatory behavior faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh from January to December 2024.

The report is based on various national and regional newspapers, online news platforms in Bangladesh, and JMBF’s own investigations and data sources. It presents information on murders, physical assaults, suicides, police harassment, arrests, false cases, and other human rights violations against lesbians, gays, transgender, intersex, and other sexual minorities.

JMBF Hosts International Conference on Lawyers Committed to LGBTQI+ Rights in Paris

To read the Bengali and French versions, scroll below.

Paris, May 14, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), in collaboration with the French organization Stop Homophobie, hosted the International Conference on Lawyers Committed to LGBTQI+ Rights at the prestigious auditorium of the French National Bar Council (Conseil National des barreaux) in Paris on May 13, 2025. The event underscored the essential role of legal professionals—both in France and globally—in defending LGBTQI+ rights and combating discrimination.

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.