Robert Simon, a prominent French Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “This attack is not just an assault on a defenseless teenager; it is an attack on the very fabric of human dignity and justice. The mob’s actions were a violation of basic human rights, and the failure to protect this young boy highlights the urgent need for stronger protection of minorities and legal recourse for victims of violence in Bangladesh.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, added, “The rise of radical Islamic mob justice under the guise of religious sentiment is alarming and deeply concerning. The attack on this young individual, who was only seeking refuge, reflects the dangerous rise of religious extremism and intolerance. The government of Bangladesh must take swift and decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure justice is served for the young boy and his family.”
JMBF calls upon the government of Bangladesh to take immediate and firm action against those responsible for this violent act. This includes prosecuting the individuals involved in the attack, ensuring the safety of the victim and his family, and addressing the systemic issues that enable such acts of violence against minorities. We further urge the international community to hold Bangladesh accountable for upholding its human rights obligations and protecting vulnerable communities.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the victim and his family and will continue to advocate for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights for all, regardless of faith or background.
Incident Details:
According to news published in various newspapers as well as information received from reliable sources, JMBF has learned that on the night of September 4, 2024, a 16-year-old minority Hindu boy from Khulna was brutally beaten by a radical Islamic mob after being accused of blasphemy for allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The violent incident occurred at the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) in Khulna, where the mob broke in and assaulted the teenager.
The boy, a class eleven student at Azam Khan Government Commerce College, resides with his family in the Sadar Thana area. The situation escalated after allegations surfaced that the teenager had posted derogatory remarks about the Prophet (PBUH) on Facebook. The following day, while attending a coaching center in the Tutpara area, he was confronted by peers about the post. Seeking protection, his father took him to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, where they were advised to contact the police.
Later that afternoon, the boy's father, along with some students, visited the Deputy Commissioner's office. As word of the incident spread, a large group of radical Islamic individuals gathered outside, demanding severe punishment for the boy. Despite efforts by army and navy personnel to calm the crowd and assure them that the boy would face legal action, the mob of 3,000 to 3,500 people refused to disperse. Around 11 p.m., the protesters forced their way into the office, vandalized property, and brutally beat the teenager.
Eventually, the police were able to disperse the crowd. At around 12:30 a.m., the boy was evacuated from the office in an army vehicle under heavy security, though the mob attempted to block the vehicle’s path.
The teenager is currently receiving medical treatment under the supervision of the army and is reported to be in stable condition. Despite earlier rumors that he had died, authorities have confirmed that the boy is alive and under medical care.
Thank you,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder and President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: 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.
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