JMBF Press & Public Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2025

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Paris, France; May 3, 2025: Today on World Press Freedom Day, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its grave concern over the accelerating repression of press freedom in Bangladesh. As the international community commemorates this day and reflects on the essential role of a free press in sustaining democracy, transparency, and justice, Bangladesh is enduring one of its most alarming and oppressive periods for independent journalism.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Condemns Politically Motivated Assault and Arrest of Actor Siddiqur Rahman and Fabricated Charges Against 32 Artists

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Paris, France | May 2, 2025: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the politically motivated physical assault and subsequent arrest of renowned actor Siddiqur Rahman, who was brutally attacked by members of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on April 29, 2025.

In addition, fabricated charges filed in three separate cases on April 30, April 28, and April 20 against 32 other prominent actors represent a broader, orchestrated campaign to silence dissent and suppress artistic and political expression in Bangladesh.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Police Handing Over of Two Lesbian Teenagers in Chandpur, Bangladesh

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Paris, France – May 1, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation and deep concern over the recent incident in which two lesbian teenagers—Arohi (19) and Ritu (17)—were forcibly separated and handed over to police in Faridganj, Chandpur on April 26, 2025, under pressure from local religious extremists.

JMBF Raises Alarm Over Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh During Meeting with French Foreign Ministry

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Paris, France | April 30, 2025 — ​JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, has expressed serious concerns over the escalating human rights crisis in Bangladesh during a bilateral meeting with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.​

On April 29, 2025, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder-President of JMBF, met in Paris with Madame Marjorie Verley, Deputy Head of the South Asia Division and Head of the Bangladesh Desk at the French Foreign Ministry. The meeting focused on what JMBF described as a pattern of "widespread and systematic repression" under the country's interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.​

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Dismissal of Journalists in Bangladesh for Questioning Cultural Affairs Adviser: Calls for Immediate Reinstatement and Protection of Press Freedom

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Paris, France | April 30, 2025 — France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), strongly condemns the arbitrary dismissal of three journalists—Mizanur Rahman (Deepto TV), Fazle Rabbi(ATN Bangla), and Rafiqul Bashar (Channel i)—following their professional conduct in questioning Bangladesh’s Cultural Affairs Adviser, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, during a press conference held on April 28, 2025.

The subsequent suspension of news broadcasts by Deepto TV and punitive actions taken by three major television networks, apparently under pressure from online threats issued by a group identifying as the July Revolutionary Alliance (JRA), represents a grave attack on press freedom, democratic accountability, and the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Bangladesh’s Constitution and international law.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attack on Former Law Minister and Senior Advocate Anisul Huq at Narayanganj Court

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Paris, France; April 29, 2025: France-based human rights watchdog, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its strongest condemnation and deepest outrage over the reprehensible assault on former Law Minister and senior lawyer Advocate Anisul Huq at the entrance of the Narayanganj court premises on April 28, 2025.

JMBF asserts that this shameful and violent act — carried out in broad daylight by a section of lawyers, individuals who are themselves, officers of the court — is an attack not only on Advocate Anisul Huq personally but also on the very principles of justice, rule of law, and judicial independence that underpin a democratic society. The courtroom and its surroundings are sacred spaces for the administration of justice, where violence and intimidation must have no place under any circumstances.