BANGLADESH: JMBF Strongly Condemns Arbitrary Detention of Environmental Activist and Model Meghna Alam Under Draconian Law

Paris, France | April 13, 2025 — France-based human rights watchdog JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and preventive detention of environmental activist, model, and Chairperson of the Miss Bangladesh Foundation, Meghna Alam, under the Special Powers Act of 1974—a controversial law long criticized for suppressing dissent.

Meghna Alam, also crowned Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was detained from her residence in Dhaka on April 9, 2025, and transferred to Kashimpur Jail following a closed-door court hearing on April 10. Her 30-day preventive detention was ordered under the Special Powers Act, based on vague allegations that she was spreading misinformation and threatening diplomatic relations.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attempted Murder Case Filed Against Prominent Lawyer and Human Rights Defender ZI Khan Panna in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 21, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the baseless and politically motivated filing of an attempted murder case against the distinguished Supreme Court lawyer, human rights defender, and chairman of the renowned human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), ZI Khan Panna, on October 17, 2024.

The case, brought by Md Baker at Khilgaon police station, accuses 180 individuals, including Mr. Panna, of involvement in the July 19, 2024, incident in Meradia Bazar during the anti-quota movement protests. This charge is clearly an attempt to stifle his advocacy for justice and human rights in Bangladesh, as well as retaliation for his criticism of the current government led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus—a blatant violation of human rights.

UN Special Rapporteur Expresses Concern over the situation of Bangladeshi Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam

United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders took to social media to voice his concerns about the distressing situation faced by human rights lawyer and defender Shahanur Islam in Bangladesh. On 13th July 2023, the Special Rapporteur's status, posted on both Facebook and Twitter, highlighted the online harassment faced by Islam as a form of retaliation for his dedicated work in advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in the country. Moreover, it was revealed that the local police had made attempts to gather information about Islam and his family.