Press & Public Statement: Arrest of Actress Nusrat Faria – A Grave Violation of Constitution, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law

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Paris, France; May 19, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization founded under the principles of the United Nations Human Rights Charter (Bill of Rights), expresses its deep concern, strong condemnation, and protest over the arrest of renowned Bangladeshi film actress Nusrat Faria. She was detained by immigration police on May 18, 2025, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, just before boarding a flight to Thailand. JMBF demands her immediate and unconditional release and calls for the withdrawal of the fabricated case against her.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF deeply concerns and strongly condemns over politically motivated charges against 21 lawyers in Barguna!

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Paris, France; May 18, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the filing of a politically motivated case against 21 lawyers in Barguna under the Special Powers Act and Explosives Act on April 30, 2025.

JMBF strongly urges the current interim government to immediately withdraw the case and ensure that no lawyer is subjected to harassment due to their professional duties or differing political views.

JMBF Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia 2025!

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Paris, May 18, 2025: France-based human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) 2025. On May 17, the organization issued a press release and marked the occasion by publishing the “Annual LGBTQI+ Rights Report in Bangladesh – 2024.” As part of the celebration, the organization also organized an international conference titled "Lawyers’ Commitment to Protect LGBTQI+ Rights" on May 13 at the French National Bar Council Conference Room.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Joins International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances

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Paris, May 17, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization advocating for justice and accountability in Bangladesh, has officially joined the International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED) as of May 16, 2025, following a formal consultation and approval by the ICAED Executive Committee.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases 2024 Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh

To read the full report, click here: Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2024.

Paris, 17 May 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially published the “2024 Annual LGBTQ+ Rights Report of Bangladesh” today. Through a press release from the capital city of Paris, the organization outlines a detailed picture of the violence, oppression, and discriminatory behavior faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh from January to December 2024.

The report is based on various national and regional newspapers, online news platforms in Bangladesh, and JMBF’s own investigations and data sources. It presents information on murders, physical assaults, suicides, police harassment, arrests, false cases, and other human rights violations against lesbians, gays, transgender, intersex, and other sexual minorities.

সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তি: মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ-এর বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪ প্রকাশ

সম্পূর্ণ প্রতিবেদনটি পড়তে এখানে ক্লিক করুন: বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ অধিকার বিষয়ক বাৎসরিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪।

প্যারিস, ১৭ মে ২০২৫: ফ্রান্সভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) আজ ‘বাংলাদেশের বার্ষিক সমকামী অধিকার প্রতিবেদন ২০২৪’ আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে প্রকাশ করেছে। ফ্রান্সের রাজধানী প্যারিস থেকে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তির মাধ্যমে সংগঠনটি ২০২৪ সালের জানুয়ারি থেকে ডিসেম্বর পর্যন্ত সময়কালে বাংলাদেশে এলজিবিটিকিউআই+ সম্প্রদায়ের ওপর সংঘটিত সহিংসতা, নিপীড়ন ও বৈষম্যমূলক আচরণের বিস্তারিত চিত্র তুলে ধরে।

প্রতিবেদনটি বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন জাতীয় ও আঞ্চলিক পত্রিকা, অনলাইন সংবাদমাধ্যম এবং জেএমবিএফ-এর নিজস্ব অনুসন্ধান ও তথ্যভাণ্ডারের ভিত্তিতে প্রস্তুত করা হয়েছে বলে বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে উল্লেখ করা হয়েছে। এতে লেসবিয়ান, গে, ট্রান্সজেন্ডার, ইন্টারসেক্স এবং যৌন সংখ্যালঘু অন্যান্য ব্যক্তিদের ওপর সংঘটিত হত্যাকাণ্ড, শারীরিক নির্যাতন, আত্মহত্যা, পুলিশি হয়রানি, গ্রেপ্তার, মিথ্যা মামলাসহ নানা রকম মানবাধিকার লঙ্ঘনের তথ্য উপস্থাপিত হয়েছে।

Communiqué de Presse: JMBF publie le Rapport Annuel 2024 sur l'État des Droits des Personnes LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh

Pour lire le rapport complet, cliquez ici : État annuel des droits LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh 2024.

Paris, le 17 mai 2025 : L'organisation française de défense des droits humains, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a officiellement publié aujourd’hui le Rapport Annuel 2024 sur les Droits des Personnes LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh. Par le biais d’un communiqué depuis Paris, l’organisation présente un tableau détaillé des violences, persécutions et comportements discriminatoires subis par la communauté LGBTQI+ au Bangladesh entre janvier et décembre 2024.

Selon le communiqué, ce rapport s’appuie sur diverses sources, notamment des journaux nationaux et régionaux, des plateformes d’information en ligne du Bangladesh, ainsi que sur les propres enquêtes et bases de données du JMBF. Il présente des cas de meurtres, d’agressions physiques, de suicides, de harcèlement policier, d’arrestations, de fausses accusations et d’autres violations des droits humains visant les lesbiennes, gays, personnes transgenres, intersexes et autres minorités sexuelles.

Political Ban or a Proclamation of Democracy’s Demise?

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By Advocate Shahanur Islam

On May 12, 2025, a controversial executive order by Bangladesh’s interim government—led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus—triggered a political storm. The order bans all political activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated bodies, including leaders, activists, and supporters. This sweeping move is not only unlawful and unconstitutional but also a direct assault on the foundations of a democratic society. It infringes upon the political rights and fundamental freedoms of millions of citizens and undermines the very spirit of democratic governance.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Brutality Against Peaceful Student and Teacher Protesters in Dhaka

Pour lire les versions en français, faites défiler ci-dessous.

Paris, France | May 15, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its strongest condemnation and deepest concern over the brutal and inhumane police assault on peaceful student and teacher protesters from Jagannath University (JnU) during their lawful long march on May 14, 2025, in Dhaka.

JMBF Hosts International Conference on Lawyers Committed to LGBTQI+ Rights in Paris

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Paris, May 14, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), in collaboration with the French organization Stop Homophobie, hosted the International Conference on Lawyers Committed to LGBTQI+ Rights at the prestigious auditorium of the French National Bar Council (Conseil National des barreaux) in Paris on May 13, 2025. The event underscored the essential role of legal professionals—both in France and globally—in defending LGBTQI+ rights and combating discrimination.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Receives Voting Membership in CIVICUS

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Paris, May 13, 2025 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially been granted voting membership in CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to promote justice and civic engagement on a global scale.

The membership, valid from May 13, 2025, to May 13, 2028, grants JMBF a meaningful role in global civil society dialogues and decision-making within CIVICUS. As a voting member, the organization will contribute to shaping the strategic direction of the alliance and strengthening democratic participation worldwide.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Ban on the Bangladesh Awami League and Its Affiliates

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Paris, France | May 12, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation of the interim government's decision to ban all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League—Bangladesh’s largest democratic political party—and its affiliated organizations and supporters. This decision, made under the guise of national security, is a dangerous and unconstitutional measure that flagrantly violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh and contradicts international human rights norms.

Is the Country Heading Towards Consolidation of Power by Anti-Liberation Islamist Fundamentalist Forces?

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Advocate Shahanur Islam

Bangladesh stands today at a critical juncture of political confrontation. Recently, the blockade program organized by the NCP (Nationalist Citizens’ Platform) in Dhaka’s Shahbagh has rekindled political uncertainty and security concerns. The open participation of anti-liberation and extremist Islamist fundamentalist groups in this movement indicates that this is not an isolated political incident but rather the result of a well-planned and coordinated subversive operation.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Joins Torture-Free Trade Network (TFTN)

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Paris, France; 09 May 2025 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially joined the Torture-Free Trade Network (TFTN), strengthening the global coalition dedicated to preventing torture and promoting human rights on April 25, 2025.

The Torture-Free Trade Network was founded in January 2023 by more than 30 civil society groups who came together in Shoreditch, London, to issue the Shoreditch Declaration for a Torture-Free Trade Treaty. This declaration calls for a binding treaty to prohibit the manufacture and trade of inherently abusive law enforcement equipment such as spiked batons and body-worn electric shock devices. It also advocates for human rights-based controls on more commonly used law enforcement tools like pepper spray, rubber bullets, batons, and handcuffs.

Is Love a Crime? State Indifference and the Persecution of Lesbian Women – A Bangladeshi Reality

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Advocate Shahanur Islam

On April 26, 2025, in Faridganj, Chandpur, two teenage girls—Arohi and Ritu—expressed their mutual love and attempted to ‘marry’ each other on their own initiative. That was their "crime." In the eyes of society, their families, and even the state, their relationship was seen as illegal, immoral, and perverse. As a result, instead of validating their love, they were subjected to persecution. 

Pressured by local Islamic fundamentalist groups, their families handed them over to the police. The police, instead of fulfilling their social and legal duties, merely warned them strictly to ensure such an incident would not happen again and returned them to their families the next day—essentially allowing society and religious groups to take over the ‘responsibility’ of correcting them. The state, in this instance, remained a silent spectator, and law enforcement effectively became complicit in the persecution. This reflects the longstanding oppression and state indifference faced by lesbian women in Bangladesh.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Physical Assault, Arbitrary Arrest, and Detention of Three Lawyers in Netrakona and Feni

"Veuillez lire la version française ci-dessous."

Paris, France; May 7, 2025 — France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses grave concern and unequivocal condemnation over the recent incidents involving the physical assault, arbitrary arrest, and custodial detention of three Bangladeshi lawyers: Advocate Sanjit Kumar Pandit in Netrakona on May 2, and Advocates Shahjahan Saju and Nasir Uddin Bahar in Feni on May 5 and 6, respectively.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Condemns the Brutal Killing of Unarmed Bangladeshi Youth by Indian Border Security Force (BSF)

"Veuillez lire la version française ci-dessous."

Paris, France; May 06, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), unequivocally condemns and protests the brutal killing of Md. Sakib (18), a Bangladeshi unarmed youth, was shot and killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on the night of May 4, 2025, at the Madla border area in Kasba upazila, Brahmanbaria. This tragic event, where an innocent life was senselessly taken, constitutes a gross violation of human rights and international law. We demand immediate justice, an independent and transparent investigation, and accountability for all those involved in this horrific incident.