State-Sponsored Massacre in Gopalganj: A Human Rights Catastrophe Behind the Mask of the Yunus Administration

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

July 16, 2025, will be remembered as another blood-stained black day in Bangladesh’s history. On this day, under the command of the interim government led by Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus—an administration that came to power promising rule of law, democracy, and human rights—the military, alongside the police, opened fire on unarmed civilians in Gopalganj. At least five people were killed and over a hundred injured, with many still reported missing.

They did not stop with the killings and injuries; rather, they snatched the fundamental rights of Gopalganj’s people by imposing a curfew since the day of the violence.

PRESS RELEASE: Congratulations to the Interim Government of Bangladesh on Signing the MoU for Establishing the UN Human Rights Office in Dhaka: Immediate Priority Must Be Given to Investigating the Gopalganj Shooting Incident

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Paris, France; 18 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) extends its sincere congratulations and best wishes to the United Nations and the Interim Government of Bangladesh for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Dhaka, aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in the country.

The MoU, signed in Geneva between UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, is regarded by JMBF as a landmark step towards improving the human rights situation in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Killing of Four and Injury to Hundreds of Unarmed Protesters by Deadly Army Firing in Gopalganj

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Paris, France; 16 July 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France(JMBF) expresses deep concern, anger, and protest over the incident in Gopalganj, where the police and army opened deadly fire on unarmed civilians protesting to protect the graveyard of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—killing at least four innocent people and injuring more than a hundred.

JMBF strongly believes that opening deadly fire on peaceful, unarmed protesters—opposing the arrogant anti-Mujibism promoted by the National Citizens Party (NCP), backed by the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus—as well as threatening to destroy Bangabandhu’s graveyard in Tungipara, similar to the demolition of his house at 32 Dhanmondi Road, is a gross violation of Bangladesh’s Constitution, existing laws, and the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Bangladesh Turns into a Haven of Anarchy: The Grim Failure of the Interim Government

By Advocate Shahanur Islam

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For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, an interim government has been formed under the leadership of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Many hoped this government would end political unrest and repression, ushering in a new era of good governance and justice. Yet, in just ten months, this government has become synonymous with suffering and disillusionment for ordinary citizens.

On July 9, 2025, in the heart of Old Dhaka, the brutal broad-daylight murder of a businessman was not merely a homicide—it was a stark, naked revelation of state failure. This failure goes beyond the cruelty of the act or the audacity of the perpetrators. It is rooted in the government’s silence, the inaction of the administration, and, above all, the arrogance of criminals operating under political protection.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Condemns the Brutal Murder of Gay Electrician Parvez Hasan and Urges Immediate Action to End Violence Against the LGBT+ Community

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Paris, France; 13 July 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the brutal murder of gay electrician Parvez Hasan (35) in Rupganj, Narayanganj, widely recognized as a hate crime rooted in his sexual orientation.

JMBF firmly believes that murdering a person solely because of their same-sex relationship constitutes a grave violation of existing laws, the Constitution of Bangladesh, and the fundamental human rights enshrined by the United Nations.

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

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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 Over Government’s Indifferent Role Amidst Ongoing Organized Violence Under the Current Interim Government

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Paris, France; 09 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the persistent organized violence in Bangladesh under the current interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Government-backed groups and affiliated gangs have normalized violence across the country. Despite this alarming situation, the government remains indifferent, failing to take effective measures or legal action against perpetrators. JMBF, a France-based human rights organization, believes this inaction flagrantly violates the Constitution of Bangladesh and fundamental human rights as recognized by the United Nations.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over Barring Pro-Awami Lawyers from Contesting Gazipur District Bar Association Election

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Paris, France; 7 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the incident where pro-Awami ideology lawyers were barred from contesting the 2025–2026 executive committee election of the Gazipur District Bar Association, thereby depriving them of their professional and democratic rights.

France-based human rights organization JMBF firmly believes that one of the fundamental pillars of pluralistic democracy is equal rights of all citizens to participate in elections and enjoy professional freedom.

Mob Violence, Impunity, and Anarchy — The Brutal Reality of the Yunus Government’s Failure

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Advocate Shahanur Islam

The people of the country had high hopes for the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. With his international reputation, commitment to human rights, and determination to avoid political bias, the nation expected stable, transparent governance. But within just 10 months, those hopes have been shattered, replaced by a terrifying reality marked by mob violence, impunity, and state indifference.

On July 3, in Koraibari village of Bangra Bazar police station in Muradnagar upazila, Comilla, a brutal mob violence incident occurred under the pretext of drug dealing. A mother and her two sons and daughters were mercilessly killed, and another daughter was seriously injured. The victim's family’s hope for justice now seems impossible, leaving them with little option but to abandon demands for punishment.

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

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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.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Repressive Cases Against 55 Senior Lawyers of Gazipur District Bar, Imprisonment of Two Seniors, and Interference with Professional Independence

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Paris, France; July 1, 2025: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and alarmed that at least 55 experienced and senior lawyers of the Gazipur District Bar have faced more than 70 cases filed from August 2024 to June 2025. These cases arose in the context of student and mass movements during July-August 2024, accusing them of “murder,” “terrorism,” and “anti-state activities.”

Most of the accused have long held leadership roles within the Gazipur District Bar, serving as important pillars of the judicial system and performing their professional duties with honor.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June 2025

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As we conclude the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), we are both inspired by what we’ve accomplished and energized by what lies ahead. The JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter remains more than just a publication—it’s a reflection of our shared values, collective action, and steadfast belief in community-driven change.

This year began with a clear intention: to embrace new challenges, set bold goals, and recommit to sustainable progress. In just a few months, we’ve already built meaningful momentum.

At the heart of it all are the people—partners, volunteers, and everyday changemakers—whose dedication brings our mission to life. Their stories remind us that true impact is not just about scale, but about depth, connection, and consistency.

FRANCE: JMBF and SIL Participate in “Paris Parade 2025” — The Largest Annual LGBTQI+ March in Paris

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Paris, France; June 29, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), the only France-based human rights organization advocating for the rights of Bangladeshi LGBTQI+ individuals, and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL), an organization working globally for LGBTQI+ rights, proudly participated in “Paris Parade 2025,” the largest annual LGBTQI+ march held in Paris.

The vibrant event took place on June 28, beginning at 2 PM from the historic Louvre Museum and continuing to Nation Square, bringing together a sea of participants in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

BANGLADESH: Statement by JMBF on International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2025

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Paris, France – 26 June 2025: On this solemn occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture 2025, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in unwavering solidarity with the countless survivors of torture and their families—particularly those in Bangladesh, where the practice of torture remains deeply embedded in the justice and security systems.

JMBF Secretary General Attends Queer Film Screening at French Ambassador’s Residence in Dhaka

Dhaka, Bangladesh; June 25, 2025: Advocate Mohammad Alamgir, Secretary General of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), attended a special queer film screening hosted by the Embassy of France in Dhaka, held at the official residence of Her Excellency Ms. Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh.

The event was organized as part of Queer Week 2025, a global initiative celebrating LGBTQI+ culture, identity, and rights through art and dialogue. The French Embassy’s initiative offered a safe and inclusive space for conversation and representation of queer voices through cinema.

BANGLADESH: JMBF deeply concerned over arson and looting at the residence of sexual minority Sohel Asha in Brahmanbaria!

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Paris, France; 24 June 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the planned arson and looting carried out by extremists on Friday, 20 June 2025, at the residence of sexual minority hijra Sohel Asha in Kali Kachh Union, Sarail Upazila, Brahmanbaria.

JMBF firmly believes that this barbaric attack is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a glaring reflection of the ongoing discrimination, violence, and social exclusion faced by gender-diverse communities in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over Cancellation of Memberships of 16 Lawyers of Jhalokathi District Bar Association

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Paris, France I June 23, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deep concern and strong protest over the arbitrary cancellation of the memberships of 16 experienced and prominent lawyers of the Jhalokathi District Bar Association on June 16, 2025. This action was reportedly taken solely due to their affiliation with the Bangladesh Awami League and their professional roles as Public Prosecutors, Assistant Public Prosecutors, Presidents, Secretaries, and Executive Members of the Bar Association.