STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attempted Murder Case Filed Against Prominent Lawyer and Human Rights Defender ZI Khan Panna in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 21, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the baseless and politically motivated filing of an attempted murder case against the distinguished Supreme Court lawyer, human rights defender, and chairman of the renowned human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), ZI Khan Panna, on October 17, 2024.

The case, brought by Md Baker at Khilgaon police station, accuses 180 individuals, including Mr. Panna, of involvement in the July 19, 2024, incident in Meradia Bazar during the anti-quota movement protests. This charge is clearly an attempt to stifle his advocacy for justice and human rights in Bangladesh, as well as retaliation for his criticism of the current government led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus—a blatant violation of human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Urgently Calls for Justice and the Unconditional Release of Lawyers Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 20, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its grave concern and strongly protests the recent arbitrary arrests of two lawyers associated with the Dhaka Lawyers Association while carrying out their professional duties. We urgently call for justice and the unconditional release of Advocates Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain, who were detained solely for fulfilling their roles as defense lawyers.

Advocate Mustafizur Rahman Talukdar Dipu, the former Senior Deputy General Secretary of the Dhaka Lawyers Association, and Advocate Kazi Akram Hossain were unjustly arrested on the night of October 16, 2024, by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Civil Police on false charges of murder. This act clearly threatens their professional integrity and constitutes a violation of their human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Brutality Against Peaceful Protest by Teachers in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 18, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent brutal police crackdown on the peaceful demonstration by teachers from various private colleges across the country in Dhaka on October 17, 2024. It is deeply concerning that 33 teachers, including 11 women assaulted while exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.

The use of batons, sound grenades, and water cannons by the police against unarmed educators, who were merely exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly, is a grave violation of both Bangladeshi and international laws protecting human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Murder of Transgender Woman Ayub Ali in Tangail, Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 17, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the tragic and senseless murder of Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman, who was brutally killed on October 12, 2024, in Tangail, Bangladesh. Her body, bearing clear signs of violence, was discovered the following morning in an abandoned house near the microbus stand in the new bus stand area of Tangail. The police found a cloth tightly wrapped around her neck, with evidence of struggle, suggesting that she may have been strangled. A murder case has been filed, and investigations are underway to bring those responsible to justice.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Protests the Indemnity Decision Concerning Violent Incidents during the July-August Mass Uprising

Two police officers were killed and seen hanging upside
down from a footbridge on a road in Dhaka.

Paris, France; October 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the recent announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh interim government, which grants indemnity to those involved in the violent incidents during the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh. This decision, which effectively exempts those responsible for violence and disorder from facing legal consequences, represents a betrayal of the principles of justice and accountability.

STATEMENT: JMBF Vehemently Condemns Religious Disruption at JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap, Chittagong

Paris, France; October 11, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the shocking and deliberate disruption of religious harmony at the JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap in Chittagong on October 10, 2024. Six members of the Chittagong Cultural Academy, a group linked to the Islamic fundamentalist political party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, infiltrated the celebration of Durga Puja—a major Hindu religious event—under false pretenses. After deceptively obtaining permission to perform patriotic songs, they audaciously staged an Islamic musical performance in the middle of a dance show during the Hindu religious program.

STATEMENT: World Day Against Death Penalty 2024 – JMBF Firmly Calls for the Abolition of Death Penalty in Bangladesh

October 10, 2024 | Paris, France: On the occasion of World Day Against Death Penalty 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) firmly calls upon the present Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate for Peace, to abolish the death penalty in all its forms in Bangladesh.

JMBF believes that the death penalty is an irreversible and inhumane punishment that has no place in a just and civilized society. Our stance aligns with both national and international legal frameworks that prioritize human dignity, the right to life, and fairness. The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, particularly Article 32, guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, yet the death penalty stands in stark opposition to this fundamental right.

STATEMENT: International Lesbian Day 2024 – A Call for Justice and Equality in Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 08, 2024 – On the occasion of International Lesbian Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with lesbian women and the broader LGBTQ+ community, both in Bangladesh and worldwide. This day serves as a crucial reminder to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the struggles that persist, and renew our commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and safety for all lesbian individuals.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned About the Recent Rise in Mob Violence and Lynchings in Bangladesh

Paris, France | October 06, 2024:JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and alarm over the sharp rise in mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the political upheaval triggered by the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, and the subsequent establishment of an interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8, 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Brutal Killing of Garment Worker by Law Enforcement Agencies in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and outrage over the brutal killing of Kausar Hossain Khan, a sewing operator for Mango Tex Limited, who was fatally shot by law enforcement agencies during a clash between garment workers and law enforcers in Savar’s Ashulia on September 30, 2024. This heartbreaking incident, which resulted in a tragic death and left several workers injured, represents a gross violation of human rights and underscores the ongoing injustices faced by workers in Bangladesh's garment industry, where their fundamental rights are often disregarded.