STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Widespread Vandalism of Cultural and Historical Monuments in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 21, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the widespread vandalism, destruction, and desecration of cultural and historical monuments across Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024.These horrific acts of vandalism, which targeted approximately 1,500 sculptures, murals, and monuments—including those dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and other symbols of our liberation struggle—represent a direct assault on our cultural heritage, history, and national identity.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Brutal Attacks on Those Paying Respects to the Founding Father of the Bengali Nation

Paris, France; August 18, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and profound outrage over recent reports of severe human rights violations in Bangladesh. These include brutal violence, suppression of fundamental rights, and the targeting of Awami League leaders and activists. The attacks on peaceful individuals attempting to pay respects at the residence of the Founding Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on the 49th anniversary of his assassination, August 15, 2024, are egregious violations of basic human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Denial of Legal Representation During Proceedings Against Salman F Rahman and Advocate Anisul Huq in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent legal proceedings involving Mr. Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to former Prime Minister and former law minister Advocate Anisul Huq in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The developments surrounding their arrest and subsequent treatment in the courtroom on August 14, 2024, are alarming and indicative of a politically motivated misuse of the legal system.

According to a report published in The Daily Star today on August 15, 2024, Mr. Rahman and Mr. Huq were placed on a 10-day remand by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mamunur Rashid on yesterday August 14, 2024, in connection with a case over the death of a shopkeeper in New Market on July 16, 2024. It is deeply troubling that during the court proceedings, pro-BNP-Jamaat lawyers actively prevented any legal representation for the accused. Two lawyers who bravely attempted to represent Mr. Rahman and Advocate Huq were not only denied entry into the courtroom but were also subjected to physical assault by unruly BNP-Jamaat lawyers.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Joins MenEngage Europe as Newest Member

Paris, August 13, 2024 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has been officially granted membership in MenEngage Europe, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and transform masculinities. The news was confirmed today following the acceptance of JMBF's membership application by the MenEngage Europe vetting committee.

"We are grateful for your commitment to gender equality and transforming masculinities, and we are happy to invite you to our community!" MenEngage Europe stated in their official communication to JMBF. "As a member of MenEngage Europe, you also become part of the global MenEngage Alliance. We are looking forward to learning from you, cooperating together, and getting to know you better."

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Joins Protest in Paris Against Minority Repression in Bangladesh

Members of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) gathered at Place de la République today on August 12, 2024 to protest against the ongoing repression of minority communities in Bangladesh. The demonstration was part of a broader international effort to draw attention to the increasing violence and discrimination faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Advocate Shanur Islam, the founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, attended the protest, passionately advocating for the safety and rights of minority communities. He called on the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect all minority groups and to impose exemplary punishments on those responsible for the atrocities.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Attacks on Religious Minorities in Bangladesh and Calls for Immediate International Action

Paris, France; August 8, 2024— JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests against the recent wave of violent attacks against religious minorities across Bangladesh, as reported in multiple sources. These incidents, which have targeted homes, places of worship, and businesses belonging to Hindu, Ahmadiyya, and other minority communities, represent a grave breach of human rights and a serious threat to the principles of tolerance and coexistence.

We express our deepest concern over the reports of widespread vandalism, killing, arson, looting, and physical assault. The attacks, which have led to significant property damage, personal injuries, and the displacement of innocent individuals, must be met with the strongest possible response from national and international authorities.

STATEMENT: JMBF Deeply Condemns and Calls for Justice Regarding the Tragic Violence in Bangladesh

Paris, France: August 04, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF) strongly condemns the atrocious acts of violence, including death, injury, and vandalism, that have erupted in Bangladesh today, August 04, 2024.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, at least 98 people, including 14 policemen, have died, and countless others were injured in day-long clashes between protesters supported by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated wings, other opposition parties, police, and the ruling party Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings. These clashes centered on the non-cooperation movement called by Students Against Discrimination (SAD).

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls for Immediate Halt to the Arbitrary Mass Arrests and Unconditional Release of Arrested Protesters in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned about the recent wave of arbitrary mass arrests and alleged acts of torture against Anti Quota Movement protesters, students, and members of opposition political parties in Bangladesh.

JMBF demands the immediate halt to the arbitrary mass arrests of protesters, students, and opposition party members, and calls for the unconditional release of all individuals detained for exercising their right to protest and political expression.

According to various news outlets in Bangladesh and internationally, JMBF has learned that, as of today, in consequence of the Anti Quota Movement protests since July 17, around 600 cases have been filed against protesters nationwide. Most of these cases were filed by the police, some by leaders of the Bangladesh Student League and Bangladesh Youth League, and a few by family members of victims.

STATEMENT: JMBF Urges UN Investigation into Recent Deadly Violence in Bangladesh

Paris, France; July 26, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and demands justice for the victims of the recent surge of violence across various regions of Bangladesh. 

As of today, the violence has tragically resulted in the deaths of over 203 citizens, including students and children, and has caused widespread injuries and extensive damage to both private and public property. This violence not only disrupts daily life but also undermines the principles of peace, justice, and human rights in Bangladesh.

JMBF calls for a comprehensive investigation into all incidents of killings, injuries, and property damage, under the direct supervision of the United Nations and international human rights experts. We also advocate for exemplary punishment for the alleged perpetrators through prompt and impartial trials, with the establishment of a special tribunal based on the investigation's findings.

Additionally, JMBF emphasizes the need for physical and psychological support for the victims and their families, including adequate financial compensation and assurance of their physical security.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Welcomes the Reserved Quota for Third Gender Individuals in Government Jobs

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) heartily welcomes the landmark verdict passed by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh for the reservation of quotas for third gender individuals in government jobs.

On July 21, 2024, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh mandated the reservation of quotas for third gender individuals in government jobs. The verdict also includes provisions for physically challenged persons, ethnic minorities, and relatives of veterans who fought in the 1971 War of Independence.

JMBF Protests Against Violence in Bangladesh with Human Chain Demonstration at Paris, France

Paris, July 20, 2024- JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has condemned the recent violence in Bangladesh, which erupted during clashes between quota reform students and law enforcement agencies from July 10 to 20, 2024.

Today, July 20, 2024, at around 5 PM, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, along with Moynuddin Khan, Treasurer of the organization, joined a human chain and demonstration at Republic Square in Paris. The protest saw participation from the Bangladeshi student community and expatriates residing in France.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Protests Over the Killing of Six Individuals, Including Three Students, During Nationwide Student Protests Against Quota System

Paris, France; July 17, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its profound grief and deep concern over the tragic killings of at least six people, including three students, and the injury of several hundred others during violent clashes between quota protesters, Chhatra League (BCL) activists, and police on July 16, 2024, in Bangladesh.

France-based human rights organization committed to justice, human rights, and the rule of law, JMBF condemns the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies and the violent actions perpetrated by the Chhatra League. The right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental democratic principle, and it is distressing to witness the brutal suppression of these rights.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns the Violent Attacks on Peaceful Student Protestors by Chhatra League with Government Support

Paris, France; July 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned about and strongly condemns the armed attacks, beatings, and sexual assaults on general students including female students by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), an organization affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League. These heinous acts, which occurred with direct government support, took place during the ongoing non-violent and peaceful democratic movement by ordinary students from various colleges and universities. The students are demanding reform of the existing quota system in government jobs. Furthermore, JMBF calls for the reformation of the current quota system to address the fair demands of the students and to re-fix quotas for backward sections of society at all levels of government employment.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: সাধারণ শিক্ষার্থীদের অসহিংস শান্তিপূর্ণ গণতান্ত্রিক আন্দোলনে সরকারের প্রত্যক্ষ মদদে ছাত্রলীগের হামলার ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীর ভাবে উদবিগ্ন!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; জুলাই ১৫, ২০২৩ঃ সরকারি চাকুরীতে বিদ্যমান কোটা ব্যবস্থা সংস্কারের দাবীতে দেশের বিভিন্ন কলেজ ও বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের সাধারণ শিক্ষার্থীদের ডাকে চলমান অহিংস ও শান্তিপূর্ণ গণতান্ত্রিক আন্দোলনে সরকারের প্রত্যক্ষ মদদে বাংলাদেশ আওয়ামীলীগ এর সহযোগী সংগঠন বাংলাদেশ ছাত্রলীগের নেতাকর্মীদের স্বশস্ত্র হামলা, মারধর ও নারী শিক্ষার্থিদের শ্লীনতাহানীর ঘটনায় জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) তীব্র প্রতিবাদ ও নিন্দা জানিয়েছে। পাশাপাশি, শিক্ষার্থীদের ন্যায্য দাবী মেনে নিয়ে বর্তমানে বিদ্যমান কোটা ব্যবস্থা সংস্কারপূর্বক সরকারী চাকুরীর সকল স্তরে যৌতিকভাবে কোটা পুনঃনির্ধারণের আহবান জানিয়েছে ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্টানটি।

STATEMENT: JMBF Demands Justice for the Brutal Murder of Transgender Woman Mangali alias Poly in Jessore

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation of the horrific murder of Mangali alias Poly, a 35-year-old transgender woman in Machna Mahalpara in Jessore, Bangladesh, by her boyfriend on June 28, 2024.

JMBF demands justice for Poly and calls upon the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The swift arrest and confession of Babu Hossain must be followed by a thorough investigation and a fair trial to bring justice to Poly and her family.

According to news published in various Bangladeshi media outlets, JMBF learned that on June 28, 2024, early Friday morning, a transgender woman named Mangali alias Poly (35) was brutally killed by her boyfriend, Babu Hossain, by slitting her throat in the Manirampur police station area of Jessore district. The police recovered her body from Machna Mahalpara of Khanpur Union in the upazila around 8 PM the same day. The deceased, Mangali alias Poly (35), was the daughter of the late Khalek Gazi from Machna Gazipara village in the same district.

STATEMENT: JMBF Urges Reconsideration of Removal Decision of "Sharifa's Tale" from Bangladeshi Textbooks

Paris, France; July 03, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent decision by the Education Ministry of Bangladesh to remove "Sharifa's Tale" from the History and Social Science textbook for seventh-grade students.

JMBF urges the Bangladesh government, particularly the Education Ministry and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), to reconsider this decision and call for a revision of the narrative to address any identified inconsistencies while preserving the essence of the story.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June 2024

6. JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June, 2024 by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)