STATEMENT: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)'s Statement on the International Women’s Day 2026

Paris, France | 8 March 2026: On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its solidarity with the women and transgender women of Bangladesh who continue to strive for equality, dignity, and justice despite persistent discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers.

While Bangladesh has made notable progress in certain areas of women’s empowerment over the past decades, the overall human rights situation of women and girls remains deeply concerning. Gender-based violence continues to be widespread and pervasive across the country, affecting women and girls in both rural and urban areas. From homes and educational institutions to workplaces and public spaces, women frequently face harassment, abuse, and discrimination. National surveys indicate that a significant proportion of women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of violence during their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protection mechanisms and accountability.

BANGLADESH: Death of Female Lecturer in Police Custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka — A Stark Reflection of Mismanagement and Cruelty by the Interim Government

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

Paris, France; 12 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization established on the foundations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the tragic death of Independent University lecturer Firoza Ashravee on 11 July 2025 while in police custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka. This incident is yet another chilling example of the insecurity detainees face in state custody and constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Recent Heinous Gang Rapes and Violence Against Women

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

Paris, France; July 3, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, is deeply concerned and outraged over the growing incidents of brutal rape and violence against women under the current interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh.

On June 26 in Cumilla, a woman was allegedly raped, stripped naked, and brutally beaten in a medieval manner.

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 Recent Islamic Fundamentalist Group Attacks on Women's Football Matches in Joypurhat and Dinajpur

Paris, France; February 3, 2025: The France-based legal and human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), unequivocally condemns the recent attacks and acts of vandalism perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalist groups under the banner of Touhidi Janata against women's football matches in Joypurhat and Dinajpur on January 28, 2025. These violent actions not only threaten the safety and freedom of female footballers but also undermine the fundamental rights of women to participate in sports and public life in Bangladesh. This is a gross violation of human rights and the fundamental principles of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

JMBF urges the interim government of Bangladesh, led by former Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, to investigate the incident through a judicial committee headed by a justice from the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. We call for the immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators and demand exemplary punishment through a transparent tribunal. Additionally, we urge the government to provide adequate financial compensation to the organizers without delay.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Hair-Cutting Punishment of Students at School in Munshiganj

Paris, France; February 29, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemns in the strongest terms the recent incident of cutting the hair of nine students for not wearing hijab by a teacher at Syedpur Abdur Rahman School and College in Munshiganj, Bangladesh.

The act of cutting the students' hair as a form of punishment for their religious attire is deeply concerning and constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights and dignity. No student should ever be subjected to such humiliation and discrimination based on their personal choices or beliefs.

JMBF urges the authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident and to take exemplary action against the accused teacher. It is imperative that justice is swiftly served and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

নারী অধিকার কি শুধু কাগজে কলমেই সীমাবদ্ধ থাকবে?

অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানূর ইসলাম সৈকত

বাংলাদেশ সরকার নারী উন্নয়নে কিছু আইন প্রনয়নসহ বেশ কিছু ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণ করলেও তা শুধু কাগজে কলমেই রয়ে গেছে, বাস্তবে তার প্রতিফলন আমরা খুব কমই দেখতে পাই। আইনে পতিতাবৃত্তি নিশিদ্ধ থাকলে ও বাস্তবে আমরা দেখতে পাই দেশের বিভিন্ন স্থানে সরকারের গোচরেই বেশ কিছু পতিতালয় রয়ে গেছে। আইন অনুযায়ী পতিতাদের সরকাররে পূনর্বাসন করার কথা কিন্তু সরকার এ বিষয়ে উদাসীন ভূমিকা পালন করছে।