The Law Society of England and Wales, a professional body representing approximately 200,000 solicitors, has expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by Bangladeshi lawyer Shahanur Islam. On 16 November , in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, the Law Society called for immediate action to safeguard Mr. Islam and uphold the rule of law.
Shahanur Islam serves as the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights and Justice Makers Bangladesh. Throughout his career, he has been an ardent defender of the rights of ethnic, religious, and LGBTI minorities, as well as opposition politicians. Regrettably, he has been a target of multiple threats, intimidation, physical assault, and arrest dating back to 2008.
The letter highlights a series of concerning incidents:
On October 26, 2022, Mr. Islam received death and kidnapping threats, not only against himself but also targeting his family, from various telephone numbers.
Earlier, on September 6 and August 25, 2022, he received two separate death threats via text message, linked to his advocacy for LGBTI community members in Bangladesh.
On October 6, 2022, three to five individuals forcibly stopped one of Mr. Islam's family members and threatened to kill him unless he withdrew cases against a Member of the District Council and political leader, Jahurul Islam, as well as against those involved in a 2020 physical assault case. The Police Bureau of Investigation in Naogaon is currently investigating this case.
In 2020, Mr. Islam was attacked by approximately ten individuals at the court premises of Naogaon district shortly after a hearing. The attack resulted in severe injuries, leading to hospitalization. It is alleged that the assault aimed to intimidate him into withdrawing a case.
The Law Society reminded Bangladesh of its international obligations, including those outlined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These obligations require that individuals not be subjected to torture, arbitrary detention, or any form of discrimination.
Furthermore, the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers emphasize the necessity for lawyers to carry out their professional duties without intimidation or harassment, with their security adequately safeguarded by the authorities.
The Law Society urged Bangladeshi authorities to:
Promptly and transparently investigate threats, harassment, and physical assault against Shahanur Islam, ensuring fair trial guarantees are upheld when prosecuting perpetrators.
Drop any charges against Mr. Islam unless credible evidence is presented in proceedings complying with international fair trial standards.
Ensure that all lawyers in Bangladesh can practice their profession without undue interference, in accordance with international standards on the independence of the legal profession.
The Law Society pledged to monitor Shahanur Islam's situation, along with that of other lawyers in Bangladesh. As international attention remains focused on this issue, calls for immediate action to protect human rights defenders like Shahanur Islam are growing louder.
For the original letter from Law Society, please visit the following link: [Link to the original letter]
============================================================ Advocate Shahanur Islam | An Young, Ascendant, Dedicated Human Rights Defender, Lawyer and Blogger from Bangladesh, Fighting for Ensuring Human Rights, Rule of Law, Good Governance, Peace and Social Justice For the Victim of Torture, Extra Judicial Killing, Force Disappearance, Trafficking in Persons including Ethnic, Religious, Sexual and Social Minority People.
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