JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: January- March 2025

As we step into the first quarter (January to March) of 2025, the JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter continues to be a platform for reflection, inspiration, and progress. The start of a new year is always an opportunity to set fresh goals, embrace new challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to making a difference. 

Over the past few months, JMBF has been actively engaging with communities, driving meaningful projects, and fostering collaborations that pave the way for lasting impact. From empowering local entrepreneurs to funding educational initiatives, we have seen firsthand the transformative power of collective action. In this issue, we highlight some of these incredible efforts and the individuals behind them. 

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Cancellation of Pro-Awami League Lawyers Candidature in the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election

Paris, France; March 31, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the politically motivated canceliation of the Pro-Awami League Lawyers Panel in the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election solely for their political belief on March 29, 2025. This incident represents a blatant violation of democratic principles and the fundamental rights of legal professionals to participate in a free and fair electoral process, as well as a violation of human rights.

JMBF immediately urges the government of Bangladesh to reschedule the election, restore the candidature of Pro-Awami League lawyers, and ensure a free and fair election environment for the Dinajpur District Advocate Bar Association Election 1432 Bangabdha.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Politically Motivated Murder Case Against Eight Prominent Journalists in Dhaka

Paris, France; March 29, 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights watchdog, expresses grave concern and strong protest over the politically motivated and baseless case filed against eight distinguished journalists in Dhaka, accusing them of involvement in the tragic deaths and injuries during the July uprising on July 19, 2024. JMBF unequivocally condemns the filing of this case, which is a clear attempt to silence independent media voices and suppress the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

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.

Ban on Bail in Rape Cases: Justice or a Risky Precedent?

Advocate Shahanur Islam

In response to the recent alarming rise in rape cases, the interim government of Bangladesh has introduced a sweeping legal reform—banning bail in all rape cases and mandating trials to conclude within 90 days. Additionally, investigation reports must be submitted within 15 days. While this bold move aims to strengthen justice, it also raises critical concerns about fairness, human rights, and the effectiveness of the judicial system.

A Necessary Step to Deter Crime

Rape is a heinous crime, and a weak judicial process allows offenders to act with impunity. A stringent legal framework ensures justice for survivors and instills fear among perpetrators. Eliminating bail could serve as a strong deterrent, preventing criminals from manipulating legal loopholes to evade punishment.