Sunday, December 8, 2024

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls on EU Ambassadors to Raise Concerns About Gross Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh Under the Present Interim Government During Meeting with the Chief Adviser

Paris, France; December 8, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France base human rights organisation urgently appeals to Ambassadors from all European Union (EU) countries to collectively address the ongoing and egregious human rights violations in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. These violations have intensified following the mass uprisings of August 5, 2024, which led to the collapse of the Bangladesh Awami League-led government. The upcoming meeting between EU heads of mission and the Chief Adviser on December 9, 2024, offers a crucial opportunity for the international community to stand for justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

This unprecedented diplomatic engagement is a critical moment to highlight the systemic erosion of democratic values and fundamental freedoms under the interim government.

Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated,
"The international community must urgently speak out against the flagrant violations taking place in Bangladesh. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a systemic breakdown of the rule of law. The European Union must play an active role in ensuring that the voices of the people of Bangladesh are heard and their basic rights respected."

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladesh human rights lawyer based in France and the Founder President of JMBF, added, "We are deeply concerned about the erosion of democratic values in Bangladesh. Lawyers, journalists, political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens are being subjected to attacks and imprisonment. The EU’s involvement is crucial to hold those responsible accountable and restore justice for all those suffering under this oppressive regime."

JMBF urges EU ambassadors to address the following critical issues:

Torture, Extrajudicial Killings, and Mass Arrests:

Reports from across Bangladesh highlight alarming cases of torture and extrajudicial killings by law enforcement agencies. The politically motivated mass arrests of Bangladesh Awami League members and supporters have led to a climate of fear and suppression. The ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League and the suspension of Awami League members from educational institutions further violate freedoms of expression, association, and education. These abuses demand immediate international condemnation and accountability.
Mob Lynching and Targeted Killings:

Bangladesh is witnessing an alarming rise in mob violence, with brutal lynchings and targeted killings becoming more frequent. Cases such as the deaths of former Chhatra League leaders Shamim Ahmed (Jahangirnagar University), Tofazzal Hossain (Dhaka University), and Abdullah Al Masud (Rajshahi University) illustrate the urgent need for effective measures to protect civilians and provide justice for the victims. The EU must press for immediate accountability and prevent further acts of violence.
Judicial Interference and Politicized Appointments:

Political interference in the judiciary has deeply compromised its independence. Forced resignations of the Chief Justice and several justices, coupled with politically influenced judicial appointments, have significantly weakened public trust in the legal system. To restore faith in justice, it is imperative that the EU demand non-political, transparent judicial appointments, particularly to the High Court and the International Criminal Tribunal.
Crackdown on Journalists and Media:

The repression of journalists in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels, with over 300 journalists facing fabricated charges and wrongful arrests for their coverage of government actions. The suppression of press freedom threatens democratic values, and the EU must advocate for an immediate end to media repression and support the protection of journalists.
Targeting Lawyers and Legal Professionals:

Lawyers in Bangladesh have been subjected to killing, intimidation, physical assault, fabricated cases, and arbitrary arrests for carrying out their professional duties. High-profile cases, such as the arrest of Advocates Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain, highlight the growing risks faced by legal professionals. Such actions undermine the rule of law and the right to a fair trial. The EU must stand in defense of lawyers by calling for an end to these unlawful practices and demanding safeguards for legal professionals.
Violence Against Minority Communities:

Religious minorities, indigenous communities, and LGBTQ individuals are suffering from systemic violence and discrimination under the interim government. Reports of arrest, killings, arson, and vandalism targeting Hindus, Ahmadiyyas, Buddhists, and LGBTQ persons, among others, paint a disturbing picture of the deteriorating situation. The indemnity orders protecting perpetrators of violence during the uprisings further embolden the attackers. The EU must demand urgent protection for vulnerable communities and justice for the victims of these attacks.
JMBF’s Call to EU Ambassadors:

In light of these grave concerns, JMBF urges EU ambassadors to:Demand an immediate halt to human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and politically motivated mass arrests.

  • Call for independent investigations into human rights abuses such as mob lynchings and arbitrary detentions, ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
  • Advocate for the restoration of judicial independence and transparency in judicial appointments, particularly for the High Court and International Criminal Tribunal.
  • Condemn the ongoing crackdown on journalists and media professionals and call for an end to their harassment and wrongful arrests.
  • Support the protection of legal professionals, demanding an end to their intimidation and arbitrary arrests.
  • Demand the protection of vulnerable minority communities, including religious, indigenous, and LGBTQ groups, ensuring their security and equal rights.

This united action by EU ambassadors is crucial for sending a strong message of solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and reinforcing the importance of upholding justice, democracy, and human rights. Together, we can ensure that Bangladesh upholds its obligations under international law and protects the fundamental freedoms of all its citizens.

Thank you








Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus
Chief Coordinator & Member of the Executive Committee
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: jannatul.ferdaus@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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