Paris, France; November 28, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally expresses its deep concern and condemnation of the brutal killing of lawyer Saiful Islam, a 32-year-old member of the Chattogram District Bar Association and Assistant Public Prosecutor at the Chattogram Court, during the violent clashes on November 26, 2024. This heinous crime, committed amid a chaotic confrontation between law enforcement and protesters supporting Hindu religious leader and Spokesperson of the United Sanatoni Jagoran Alliance, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, is a grave attack on justice and the legal community.
JMBF also strongly denounces police brutality during the protests, where law enforcement agencies, including the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), resorted to batons and sound grenades, injuring at least 10 people. The indiscriminate violence against protesters is a clear violation of their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and expression. Such actions only exacerbate tensions and undermine the rule of law.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated,
"The killing of Saiful Islam is an unforgivable crime that strikes at the heart of justice and accountability. Lawyers serve as vital pillars of democracy, and any violence against them is an attack on the rule of law itself. This tragedy reflects an alarming breakdown of law and order, and we demand immediate accountability for those responsible."
He further added, "The use of brute force against peaceful protesters is an egregious violation of human rights. The police must be held accountable for their actions, and the government must ensure that state institutions do not operate with impunity. Justice cannot thrive in a climate of violence and fear."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France and the Founder-President of JMBF, stated, "The murder of Saiful Islam during this violent confrontation exposes the fragility of justice in Bangladesh. Lawyers are the guardians of human rights and democracy, and their safety must be paramount. We call for a thorough and impartial investigation into this killing and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay."
JMBF asserts that the murder of a legal professional and the violent suppression of protests reflect an alarming erosion of democratic values and human rights in Bangladesh. We urge the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this case. The authorities must ensure justice for lawyer Saiful Islam, protect the legal community, and uphold the right of citizens to protest without fear of violence.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls on the Bangladeshi government to:
- Conduct an Independent Investigation: A transparent and impartial inquiry into the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam and the allegations of police brutality must be initiated immediately.
- Bring Perpetrators to Justice: Those responsible for the killing of lawyer Saiful Islam and the police brutality against protesters must be identified and held accountable under the law.
- Protect Hindu Community Members: Authorities must refrain from arbitrary arrests and the unjust implication of Hindu individuals in connection with this incident.
JMBF will closely monitor the incident and stands in solidarity with the victims of these injustices. We urge the international community to support efforts to uphold accountability, justice, and the protection of minority communities.
Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus
Chief Coordinator & Executive Member
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Fact in Brief:
On November 26, Hindu religious leader and Spokesperson of the United Sanatoni Jagoran Alliance, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was being transported to prison in a van from the Chattogram Court Building after his bail was rejected in a sedition charge. His followers blocked the vehicle and began protesting. At one point, the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intervened to disperse the protesters, using batons and sound grenades, which left at least 10 people injured. A group of lawyers also joined the police in dispersing the crowd, leading to a chase and counter-chase. Amid the chaos, lawyer Saiful Islam was hacked to death.The deceased, 32-year-old Saiful Islam, was a member of the Chattogram District Bar Association and an Assistant Public Prosecutor at the Chattogram Court.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, November 27, three separate cases were filed at Kotwali Police Station in the city on charges of attacking the police. These cases named 77 individuals and included 1,300 unidentified people as accused. A total of 27 people were arrested in connection with these cases, most of whom were residents of the Bandil Sevak Colony in the Kotwali area of the city. Among those arrested, seven lawyers were implicated in the murder: Rumit Das, Sumit Das, Gagan Das, Nayan Das, Vishal Das, Aman Das, and Manu Methor.
About JMBF:
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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