STATEMENT: JMBF Calls for Immediate Halt to the Arbitrary Mass Arrests and Unconditional Release of Arrested Protesters in Bangladesh

Paris, France; August 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned about the recent wave of arbitrary mass arrests and alleged acts of torture against Anti Quota Movement protesters, students, and members of opposition political parties in Bangladesh.

JMBF demands the immediate halt to the arbitrary mass arrests of protesters, students, and opposition party members, and calls for the unconditional release of all individuals detained for exercising their right to protest and political expression.

According to various news outlets in Bangladesh and internationally, JMBF has learned that, as of today, in consequence of the Anti Quota Movement protests since July 17, around 600 cases have been filed against protesters nationwide. Most of these cases were filed by the police, some by leaders of the Bangladesh Student League and Bangladesh Youth League, and a few by family members of victims.

Approximately 11,000 protesters, including around 300 students and members of opposition political parties, along with their affiliated groups, have been arrested by the Bangladesh Police, including the Detective Branch (DB) and RAB. In Dhaka alone, around 3,000 protesters have been arrested, with approximately 270 cases filed, including about 53 murder charges, across different police stations in the city.

On July 19, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Senior Joint Secretary of the BNP, was arrested. On July 20, Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, members of the BNP's Permanent Committee, and Jahir Uddin Swapon, an adviser of the BNP, along with Nurul Haque Nur, Convenor of Gono Adhikar Parishad, were arrested. Nur later claimed to have been tortured while in police custody. On July 24, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury, Joint Secretary of the BNP, and Barrister Andalib Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatio Party (BJP), were arrested.

On July 26, plainclothes police officers detained three protest coordinators, Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Baker Majumder, from Gonoshasthaya Kendra hospital, where they were receiving medical treatment for injuries allegedly sustained from beatings and torture while in prior police custody. On July 27, the DB detained protest coordinators Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah. On July 28, plainclothes police detained two more protest coordinators, Nusrat Tabassum and Arif Shohel. All of them were detained under the pretext of taking them into safe custody.

In response to these deeply troubling developments, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) demands immediate action to address this crisis:

1. Immediate Cessation of Mass Arrests: We call for an immediate halt to the mass arrests of protesters, students, and opposition party members.
2. Unconditional Release: All individuals detained for exercising their right to protest and political expression must be released unconditionally.
3. Investigation of Torture Allegations: We demand an impartial and thorough investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees.
4. Physical and Psychological Well-being: Authorities must ensure the physical integrity and psychological well-being of all detainees.
5. Security for Victims and Families: The physical security of victims and their families must be guaranteed to prevent any further harm or intimidation.
6. Financial Compensation: Provide financial compensation to all victims of arbitrary arrests and torture. 

We, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), stand in solidarity with those who have been unjustly arrested and demand justice and accountability from the Bangladeshi authorities. The protection of human rights and the rule of law are paramount, and we will continue to advocate for those who have been wrongfully detained and mistreated.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) previously issued statements on July 26, 2024, July 17, 2024, and July 15, 2024, demanding justice for attacks, killings, injuries, and vandalism during the Anti Quota Movement in the last month.

Thank you.

Advocate Shahanur Islam 

Founder President 

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) 

Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org 

Cell/WhatsApp/Signal: +33 (0)7 83 95 23 15

Website: https://www.jmbf.org

============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.