Statement: JMBF Calls for Adequate Investigation into the Alleged Murder of Mau Hijra in Jessore

Paris, France; January 2, 2025: France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), is deeply appalled and outraged by the suspicious and tragic death of Mau Hijra in Jessore, Bangladesh, which appears to be a premeditated act of murder disguised as a natural death on December 1, 2024.

JMBF believes that such abhorrent acts not only represent a blatant violation of human dignity but also highlight the rampant impunity and discrimination faced by marginalized communities, particularly the Hijra community in Bangladesh.

The organization asserts that the allegations against Mau Hijra's house owner, Fateh Begum, along with her associates—who are accused of orchestrating her death and looting her possessions—demand an immediate and uncompromising investigation.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter (Oct-Dec 2024): Happy New Year 2025!

8. JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: October-December, 2024 by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

Statement: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Harassment and Abuse of Minority Communities in Chittagong

Paris, France; December 30, 2024:  France-based human rights organisation JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the widespread harassment, extortion, and abuse of power targeting vulnerable Hindu religious and Dalit minority communities in Chittagong. These actions, perpetrated by law enforcement under the guise of investigating the tragic murder of lawyer Saiful Islam (Alif) at the Chittagong court premises, reveal a lack of impartiality and fairness in the investigative process.  

JMBF strongly urges the government to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of marginalized groups, including the Harijan community. The incidents of vandalism, harassment, and communal violence following the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam must be thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators must be held accountable without delay.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Unjust Dismissal of Five Journalists from Somoy TV under Alleged Pressure by Leader of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

Paris, France; December 28, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the reported dismissal of five journalists from Somoy TV on December 22, 2024, following alleged undue pressure exerted by Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent figure in the anti-discrimination student movement, on December 17, 2024.The dismissed journalists include Chief Input Editor Omar Faruk, Chief Output Editor Ariful Sajjad, Digital Head Kamal Shahriar, Associate Special Reporter Debashish Roy, and Senior Reporter Bulbul Reza.

Simultaneously, JMBF condemns the recent attacks on Daily Prothom Alo, Daily Star, and the banning of journalists from entering the Bangladesh Secretariat by canceling their press accreditation cards.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arbitrary Arrest of Lawyer Syed Kabir Hossain Jony in Jessore

Paris, France; December 23, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a prominent France-based human rights organization, strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest of lawyer Syed Kabir Hossain Jony, a member of the Jashore District Bar Association, by Jashore police on December 22, 2024, for merely performing his professional duty.

This deeply troubling action, taken shortly after Mr. Jony represented 167 Awami League leaders and activists in court, constitutes a grave violation of human rights and undermines national and international principles safeguarding the independence of lawyers and the judiciary.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France urges the Government of Bangladesh to immediately and unconditionally release Syed Kabir Hossain Jony and drop all charges against him that criminalize his professional duties as a lawyer, as well as ensure the protection of all legal professionals from harassment and intimidation.