The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), representing more than a million lawyers across 46 European countries, has issued an urgent plea to Her Excellency, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. In a letter dated July 7, 2023, CCBE expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family.
Shahanur Islam is a well-respected figure in the legal and human rights community, known for his unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized groups, including ethnic, religious, political, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. His work spans a wide range of issues, including the defense of LGBTQI+ rights and representation of individuals subjected to torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.