PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Statement on the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty

“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; October 10, 2025: On Friday, 10 October, the 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls upon the Bangladeshi government to urgently reconsider its continued use of capital punishment. The number of prisoners on death row in Bangladesh has risen sharply over the years: from 1,009 in November 2011 to over 2,000 in June 2021, with at least 169+ death sentences in 2022 and 248+ in 2023. In 2025, more than 2,400 individuals currently remain on death row. These figures reflect systemic issues, including trials plagued by delays, inadequate legal representation, and procedural irregularities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns Continuous Threats and Attacks Against JMBF Secretary General Advocate Mohammad Alamgir

"Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; October 09, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the continuous threats, intimidation, and violent attacks directed against Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, the respected Secretary General of JMBF, for his courageous and professional engagement in defending victims of persecution, including members of the LGBTQI+ community, and for upholding the rule of law and justice in Bangladesh.

Over the past year, Advocate Alamgir has been repeatedly subjected to life-threatening attacks, harassment, and extortion demands by individuals and groups affiliated with BNP–Jamaat and Islamic fundamentalist elements, who have sought to silence him for his unwavering commitment to human rights and justice.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Killing of 3 Indigenous Youths in Kharachhari During Anti-Rape Protest

“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; 8 October 2025: Paris-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and outrage over the killing of three indigenous teenagers and the serious injury of at least 14 others during a protest in Guimara Upazila, Kharachhari district, Bangladesh, on 28 September. The protest was held against the rape of a hill girl. This incident is a horrifying example of the severe deterioration of human rights and state repression in Bangladesh.

JMBF strongly believes that despite the fact that the perpetrators were not arrested or punished, the firing upon peaceful anti-rape protesters is illegal, inhumane, and contrary to the Constitution and international human rights law.

How the Yunus-Led Interim Government Has Turned Justice into a Tool of Political Repression in Bangladesh

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

I. The Criminalization of Law and Lawyers

It began, as so many stories of injustice do, with a courtroom and a promise of fairness that never came.

Instead of being released on bail granted by the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, on 4 September 2025, Khodadad Khan Pitu (60), former President of the Naogaon District Bar Association and President of the Human Rights Lawyers’ Forum, Naogaon, was re-arrested by Naogaon Sadar police from the gate of Naogaon District Jail. On 5 September, he was produced before the court in connection with a 2024 case filed over an incident in 2022 under the Explosive Substances Act, and the court ordered him sent to jail.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Joins the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH)

Paris, France; October 4, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) received formal membership in the Plateforme Droits de l’Homme (PDH), a collective of French NGOs dedicated to promoting and defending human rights internationally, on October 1, 2025.

The PDH, established in 2017, provides a vital space for collaboration, exchange, and mutual support among French NGOs engaged in international human rights work. By joining PDH, JMBF aims to strengthen its connections with other civil society actors, enhance its visibility, and contribute to collective efforts in advocacy and human rights promotion.

Bangladesh Rights Abuses Raised at UN: JMBF President Meets OHCHR and Special Rapporteur in Geneva

“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’.”

Geneva, Switzerland; October 2, 2025: The worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh has been brought before top UN officials in Geneva, as Advocate Shahanur Islam, President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), held bilateral meeting with senior representatives of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: July-September 2025

As we conclude the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, we are inspired by what has been achieved and energised by what lies ahead. This year began with a clear intention: to embrace new challenges, set bold goals, and recommit to sustainable progress. In just a few months, that vision has already taken root, fuelled by the passion of partners, volunteers, and everyday changemakers.

Their dedication reminds us that true impact is not only about scale, but about depth, connection, and consistency. The stories, reports, and actions highlighted in this edition are a testament to that spirit of resilience and solidarity. Looking forward, we are preparing to launch new initiatives—rooted in innovation, equity, and empowerment—that will expand access, strengthen partnerships, and uplift unheard voices.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Over Re-Arrest of 10 High Court-Bailed Lawyers at Jail Gate on Sabotage Charges in Barguna

“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; 24 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep anger and condemnation over the re-arrest of 10 lawyers in Barguna who had secured bail from the High Court. On 15 September, just as they were about to be released, they were re-arrested at the jail gate on charges of sabotage and sent back to prison.

JMBF firmly believes that this incident constitutes a blatant violation of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and human rights in Bangladesh, and reflects clear political retaliation. Such actions not only undermine justice and democracy but also seriously threaten the safety and professional independence of lawyers, with a deeply negative impact on Bangladesh’s democratic system and human rights situation.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Protest Over the Death of Awami League Leader in Gaibandha Jail Due to Torture and Medical Negligence

“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; 23 September 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern over the death of Abu Bakkar Siddiq Munna, former Vice-President and former Chairman of Kanchipara Union, Fulchhari Upazila, Awami League, allegedly due to torture and medical negligence while in Gaibandha District Jail in the early morning of 22 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that this planned killing, carried out through politically motivated torture and denial of medical care, constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights declarations.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF deeply concerns over extremist mob attacks, vandalism, and arson on four shrines & physical assault of khadems of a manzil in Comilla & Gazipur.

“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; September 19, 2025: The Paris-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the recent incidents of religious extremist mob attacks, vandalism, and burning of shrines, as well as the physical assault of a khadem in Comilla and Gazipur on September 18 and 5, 2025, respectively.

These incidents included attacks, destruction, and arson of four mazars (shrines) in Comilla, and the physical assault of a khadem at a manzil (religious establishment) in Gazipur, alongside inflammatory religious posts on social media inciting extremist mob violence, which resulted in the vandalism and arson of the manzil.