JMBF Files Urgent Formal Complaint to UN Over Detention and Torture of Barrister Turin Afroz

"Please read the French and Bengali versions below"

Paris, April 27, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has formally submitted a complaint to the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures, urging immediate intervention in the case of Barrister Turin Afroz, who they say has been subjected to grave human rights violations in Bangladesh.

In their submission, sent on April 26, 2025, JMBF addressed three UN Special Rapporteurs — on the Independence of Lawyers and Judges, on Torture, and on Arbitrary Arrest — detailing allegations of arbitrary arrest, custodial torture, and denial of the right to a fair trial.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Gravely Concerns About the Custodial Torture of Barrister Turin Afroz During Police Remand

"Veuillez lire la version française ci-dessous."

Paris, France | April 27, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its gravest concern and unequivocal condemnation regarding the brutal custodial torture of Barrister Turin Afroz during her police remand at Uttara West Police Station between April 8 and 12, 2025.

According to credible reports from reliable sources and multiple leading newspapers in Bangladesh, Barrister Turin Afroz — a distinguished advocate and former prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) — was subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse while in police custody. Two uniformed female police officers, alongside a male and a female individual in civilian clothes, allegedly perpetrated acts of violence against her. She was viciously beaten with lathis (batons) on her thighs and legs, kicked, slapped, punched, and subjected to repeated physical assaults on the back parts of her body.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Torture, Arrest, and Unjust Layoffs of Garment Workers in Rupganj, Bangladesh

Paris, France; April 11, 2025: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the brutal baton charge and unlawful arrest of garment workers in Rupganj on April 9, 2025, during a peaceful demonstration by law enforcement agencies. The incident, which resulted in the injury of at least 35 workers and the arrest of 10 workers, highlights a disturbing pattern of abuse of power and disregard for basic human rights. Furthermore, the unjustified layoffs of workers without prior notice are an affront to workers' rights and the principles of justice and fairness guaranteed under both national and international law.

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 Gravely Concerned Over Police Brutality on Garment Workers' Peaceful Protest in Dhaka

Paris, France; March 26, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests police brutality against garment workers during their peaceful protest in Dhaka on March 25, 2025. The police’s deployment of sound grenades, tear gas, and baton charges against unarmed workers demanding their rightful dues before Eid ul-Fitr, resulting in approximately 40 workers being injured, is a flagrant violation of human rights and an unacceptable abuse of power.

JMBF urges an immediate investigation into the police's excessive use of force, accountability for those responsible, and the fulfillment of workers' demands for unpaid wages, Eid bonuses, and maternity leave. Furthermore, the government must protect workers' right to protest and ensure that victims of police brutality receive proper treatment and compensation.

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.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Police Repression Against Peaceful Teachers’ Protest in Dhaka

February 17, 2025 | Paris, France – France based human rights organisation, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the brutal police crackdown on the peaceful protest in Dhaka by recommended government primary teachers on February 16, 2025, under the Interim Government led by former Nobel Laureate for Peace, Prof. Mohammad Yunus. The use of excessive force, including baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons, against recommended teachers of government primary schools, who were merely demanding their fundamental right to employment, is an outrageous violation of human rights and democratic principles.

JMBF asserts that state-sponsored violence against unarmed civilians, including women, is a direct attack on freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and the rule of law. JMBF condemns these actions in the strongest possible terms and demands an immediate end to the repression, accountability for those responsible, and the unconditional reinstatement of all affected teachers.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Torture of Peaceful Demonstrators in Dhaka – A Call for Justice and Accountability

Paris, France | February 12, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the brutal and unjustified use of force by law enforcement authorities against peaceful demonstrators in Dhaka on February 9 and 10, 2025. The violent torture inflicted through baton charges on students of the Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) and registered teachers, including a journalist, are clear violations of fundamental human rights and democratic freedoms, as enshrined in both national and international law.

JMBF demands an independent, impartial judicial investigation into the police brutality against peaceful demonstrators. All officers responsible for the excessive use of force must be held accountable under domestic and international legal frameworks.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Extrajudicial Killing of Md. Touhidul Islam Due to Inhumane Torture by Joint Forces in Kumilla

Paris, France; February 1, 2025: France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its deepest outrage and condemnation over the alleged extrajudicial killing of Md. Touhidul Islam, a 40-year-old leader of the Jubo Dal, reportedly died due to inhumane torture inflicted by joint forces led by the Bangladesh Army on January 31, 2025, in Cumilla.

This heinous act of extrajudicial killing represents a gross violation of human rights as declared by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh, national laws, and international human rights instruments to which Bangladesh is a party.

JMBF demands an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Md. Touhidul Islam. This investigation must be conducted by a justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, not under military jurisdiction, to ensure credibility and justice.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Denounces Police Brutality on Peaceful Assembly by Ibtedayi Teachers in Dhaka

Paris, France; January 26, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation of the violent police assault on peaceful Ibtedayi teacher protesters at Shahbagh, Dhaka, today, January 26, 2025. The brutal use of batons, sound grenades, water cannons, and tear gas against Ibtedayi teachers—six of whom, including one woman, were injured—constitutes a blatant violation of human rights, Bangladesh’s Constitution, and international human rights standards.

JMBF asserts that the Ibtedayi teachers, under the Ibtedayi Madrasa Teachers' Unity Alliance, were peacefully marching to demand the nationalization of their jobs and the implementation of a six-point demand, a legitimate cause recognized by recommendations from the Dhaka University Institute of Education and Research. This peaceful demonstration was met with unprovoked violence by the authorities, which is unacceptable in a democratic society.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Vehemently Condemns Violent Attacks on Indigenous Student Protesters and Police Repression in Dhaka

Paris, France; January 19, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the recent violent attacks on Indigenous students and their supporters during a peaceful gathering on January 15, 2025, in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) office in Motijheel, Dhaka. The attack carried out in response to their protest against the removal of graffiti featuring the word "Indigenous" from school textbooks, is a clear violation of human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

JMBF also strongly condemns the subsequent police crackdown on a peaceful rally organized by the "Discontented Indigenous Students" on January 16, 2025, to besiege the Secretariat in Dhaka. These actions represent egregious violations of human rights, freedom of assembly, and the right to peaceful protest, all of which are protected under both national and international law.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Custodial Death and Torture by Joint Forces in Sonaimuri, Noakhali

Paris, France; January 14, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its strongest condemnation of the alleged custodial death of Abdur Rahman and the severe injury of Habibur Rahman due to torture by the Joint Forces, led by the army, in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, on January 13, 2025.

JMBF asserts that this grave incident of torture, arbitrary detention, and denial of timely medical treatment constitutes a blatant breach of Bangladesh’s Constitution, national laws, and international human rights standards, leading to gross human rights violations.

JMBF urges the exemplary punishment of the perpetrators involved in these gross human rights violations through a transparent and speedy tribunal following an impartial judicial investigation led by a justice of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Killing of Bangladeshi Youth by BSF and Torture of Norwegian Citizen at HSI Airport, Dhaka by LEA

Paris, France; January 9, 2025 – France-based human rights organisation, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the killing of Saidul Islam, a Bangladeshi youth, by Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) gunfire in Sunamganj, and the violent assault on a Bangladeshi-origin Norwegian citizen and his family at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka by Airforce Quick Response Force (QRF) and Ansar personnel on January 8, 2025. These incidents highlight a shocking disregard for fundamental human rights, with victims subjected to excessive force and abuse, and underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.

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 is Deeply Concerned and Condemns the Killing of Lawyer Saiful Islam and Police Brutality During Protests in Chittagong

Paris, France; November 28, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally expresses its deep concern and condemnation of the brutal killing of lawyer Saiful Islam, a 32-year-old member of the Chattogram District Bar Association and Assistant Public Prosecutor at the Chattogram Court, during the violent clashes on November 26, 2024. This heinous crime, committed amid a chaotic confrontation between law enforcement and protesters supporting Hindu religious leader and Spokesperson of the United Sanatoni Jagoran Alliance, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, is a grave attack on justice and the legal community.

JMBF also strongly denounces police brutality during the protests, where law enforcement agencies, including the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), resorted to batons and sound grenades, injuring at least 10 people. The indiscriminate violence against protesters is a clear violation of their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Such actions only exacerbate tensions and undermine the rule of law.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Continuous Extrajudicial Killings Under the Interim Government of Bangladesh

Paris, France; November 22, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the alarming trend of continuous extrajudicial killings under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which assumed power on August 8, 2024. These heinous acts of state violence, carried out by law enforcement agencies, including the army and joint police forces, represent gross violations of the Constitution, human rights, the rule of law, and international standards of justice.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Brutality Against Peaceful Protest by Teachers in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 18, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent brutal police crackdown on the peaceful demonstration by teachers from various private colleges across the country in Dhaka on October 17, 2024. It is deeply concerning that 33 teachers, including 11 women assaulted while exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.

The use of batons, sound grenades, and water cannons by the police against unarmed educators, who were merely exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly, is a grave violation of both Bangladeshi and international laws protecting human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned about the Alleged Death of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam Due to Torture in Gaibandha

Paris, France; September 11, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is profoundly outraged and horrified by the reported torture by law enforcement agencies in Gaibandha, resulting in the deaths of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam and severe injuries to three other individuals.

STATEMENT: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Alleged Torture and Degrading Treatment by Army Officials in Bangladesh

The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has voiced deep concern over recent reports of brutal torture and degrading treatment by members of the Bangladesh Army, targeting former ruling party members, supporters, and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organizations. 

JMBF Publishes Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023

Paris, France, June 26, 2024 : JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023 today, coinciding with the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This meticulously documented report highlights 148 incidents of torture, extrajudicial killings, and inhumane treatment and degrading behavior in Bangladesh by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) throughout 2023. Based on continuous monitoring of online news media published from Bangladesh and abroad, this report reveals a disturbing trend of human rights violations by LEAs, impacting a total of 1,842 individuals.

You can read and download the full summary report visit by JMBF Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023