Joint Statement: Call for the release of two human rights defenders unjustly detained in Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) along with 72 human rights organisations stand in solidarity with Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two prominent Bangladeshi human rights activists from the Odhikar group, after they were sentenced to two years’ imprisonment as retaliation for their human rights work.

On 14 September 2023, Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary of Odhikar, as well as a member of the OMCT General Assembly and FIDH Secretary General, and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Director of Odhikar, were sentenced to two years in prison and a fine, following ten years of relentless judicial harassment. The two men were remanded at Dhaka Central Jail. Khan and Elan’s lawyers plan to appeal the decision once the court has issued its written judgment, which could take months.

Statement:JMBF Strongly Condemns and Protests the Brutal Attack on Poet Radhapad Ray in Kurigram, Bangladesh

Paris, France: October 03, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the barbaric attack on renowned poet Radhapad Ray in Nagishwari Upazila of Kurigram on September 30, 2023.

JMBF has also called for the immediate arrest of the accused in the said attack and ensuring the provision of exemplary punishment to the culprits after a fair and impartial investigation, in line with human rights principles

According to a report published in the online edition of the Daily Kalbela on October 2, the attack took place on the poet in his village in the Betharband Union of Nageshwari Upazila in Kurigram district on Saturday, September 30. A young man named Rafiqul Islam (38), a neighbor, suddenly attacked him. As a result of the attack, poet Radhapad Roy was seriously injured and is currently undergoing treatment at Nageshwari Health Complex.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Quarterly eNewsletter (Jul-Sep 2023)

We are thrilled to unveil the latest issue of our quarterly eNewsletter, covering July to September 2023, which marks a significant milestone following the establishment of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) in June. In July 2023, we successfully obtained official registration under French Association Law 1901.

This legal recognition propels us forward, allowing us to amplify our endeavors and reaffirming our steadfast commitment to justice, human rights, and community empowerment.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern over BSF’s Killing of Bangladeshi Citizen at Chuadanga Border

Paris, France; September 29, 2023: The Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization base in France, is deeply concerned about the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen, Robiul Islam, by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Thakurpur border in Damurhuda Upazila of Chuadanga on the night of September 27.

JMBF strongly condemns the incident and calls for the BSF to exercise the utmost caution in carrying out their duties in accordance with international law.

French-Bengali Attorney Joins Hands with JMBF to Provide Pro Bono Legal Support

Paris, September 28, 2023: In a significant development towards the promotion of human rights and justice, prominent French-Bengali attorney  Chitro Shahabuddin Maître, a member of the Paris Bar, has agreed to offer her legal expertise pro bono to Bangladeshi citizens residing in France through her collaboration with JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The partnership was formalized during a meeting held on September 26, 2023, at the prestigious 9, Rue du Val de Grâce, 75005 PARIS, where Advocate Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, and Maître Chitro Shahabuddin discussed their shared commitment to providing legal support to those in need. Moynuddin Khan, Treasurer of JMBF, also participated in this significant meeting.

Urgent Appeal: Take Immediate Action Against Police Officers Involved in Torture of Student Leader in Narayanganj

To

Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, MP

Honorable Minister

Ministry of Home Affairs

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Secretariat

Dhaka-1000

Email: minister@mha.gov.bd, ps2min@mhapsd.gov.bd

Dear Honorable Minister,

Greetings from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I am writing to you on behalf of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization deeply concerned about a recent incident of police brutality in Narayanganj, Bangladesh.

Shahanur Islam's Blog Post Spotlighted in UK Home Office Report on LGBTQ+ Rights in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi prominent human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam's blog post on LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh has been highlighted in the "Country Policy and Information Note: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Bangladesh," published by the UK Home Office's Visa and Immigration department on September 5, 2023. Shahanur's article, titled "How can society promote equality and respect for LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh?" was one of the most highlighted pieces in the report.

Additionally, JusticeMakers Bangladesh, a prominent nonprofit organization, founded by Shahanur Islam, dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in Bangladesh, has received international recognition for its tireless efforts. In a recent report published by the Visa and Immigration department under the UK Home Office, JusticeMakers Bangladesh's activities and a notable blog post of Shahanur Islam have been prominently featured. 

Statement: Strong Condemnation and Protest by JMBF over killing of a Bangladeshi citizen by BSF

Paris, France: September 18, 2023- JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France base human rights organization, strongly condemns and protests the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen, Mizanur Rahman (50), by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on September 15, 2023, at Beninpur border of Chuadanga, Bangladesh.

JMBF believes that the killing of an unarmed civilian by the BSF on the border is a gross violation of human rights. BSF personnel must exercise utmost caution and refrain from indiscriminate firing while performing their duties, so as to avoid any harm to civilians.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern over Sentencing of Two Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh

PARIS, FRANCE - September 16, 2023 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, is deeply alarmed by the recent verdict that has sentenced two Bangladeshi human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan to two years' imprisonment.

The imprisonment of these two human rights defenders raises serious questions about the state of freedom for human rights activists and activism in Bangladesh. JMBF stands in solidarity with Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two unwavering champions of human rights in Bangladesh.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern over the Police Attack on Pro-BNP Lawyers' Protest March in Dhaka

Paris, France: 12th September 2023 - The human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed profound concern and anger over the police attack that resulted in injuries to 12 lawyers during a protest march by BNP lawyers demanding the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based human rights organization, is calling for a swift and impartial investigation into the incident of the police attack and immediate punishment following a transparent trial under criminal law for those responsible.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern over the Brutal Torture of Two Student Leaders in Police Custody!

Paris, France: September 10, 2023** - The human rights organization Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and outrage regarding the physical torture of two student leaders in police custody at the Shahabag police station in the capital city of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The Paris-based human rights organization, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), issued a press statement on September 10, calling for an immediate judicial investigation into the incident to identify the accused and ensure exemplary punishment through a transparent judicial process.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern Negative Portrayal of Homosexuality in Daily Sangram

Paris, France: September 9, 2023 - The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed its profound dismay and concern over the negative portrayal of Bangladeshi homosexuals in the Daily Sangram newspaper, published in Dhaka.

The human rights organization calls upon the newspaper to issue an immediate apology for disseminating negative content regarding homosexuals and urges it to refrain from spreading further misinformation about homosexuality.

Statement: JMBF Expresses Grave Concerns over the Inclusion of the Death Penalty in Ansar Battalion Act, 2023

Paris, France– JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerns over the Cabinet approval of the Ansar Battalion Act, 2023, by the Government of Bangladesh on September 4, 2023, which includes the death penalty as the maximum punishment for various offenses, including mutiny and provocation for rebellion.

The decision to uphold the death penalty as the ultimate form of punishment under this new legislation is a matter of profound concern, and JMBF strongly demands for reducing the maximum penalty from death to life imprisonment until the end of natural life.

গোপালগঞ্জে গভীর রাতে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ছাত্রকে পুলিশী নির্যাতনের বিষয়ে যথাযথ তদন্তপূর্বক প্রয়োজনীয় ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণ করা হোক!

বরাবর,

জনাব আসাদুজ্জামান খান, এম.পি

মাননীয় মন্ত্রী

স্বরাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রণালয়

গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ সরকার

বাংলাদেশ সচিবালয়

ঢাকা-১০০০।

ইমেইলঃ minister@mha.gov.bd

বিষয়ঃ গোপালগঞ্জে গভীর রাতে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ছাত্রকে পুলিশী নির্যাতনের বিষয়ে যথাযথ তদন্তপূর্বক প্রয়োজনীয় ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণ করা হোক!

Statement : JMBF Strongly Condemns Brutal Murder of Gay Teacher Golam Kibria in Savar, Dhaka

Paris, France: August 20, 2023 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the tragic and heinous murder of Golam Kibria, a gay school teacher and member of the sexual minority community, in Savar, Dhaka, allegedly by the individuals associated with extremist Islamic ideologies.

The organization expresses profound concern over this act of violence and demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. JMBF insists on an impartial and expeditious inquiry, followed by a transparent trial, to ensure that the perpetrators responsible for this grave crime are brought to justice.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Harassment and Violence against Chapainawabganj Hijra Community

[Paris, France: August 15, 2023] - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization based in France, expresses deep anguish and concern over the lack of criminal action against the accused individuals responsible for the harassment, demands for housing allowance, and attacks faced by the Hijra community in Chapainawabganj. Despite enduring these issues for two months, no substantial action has been taken against the perpetrators.

Lawyers for Lawyers Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Shahanur Islam and Human Rights Defenders

Lawyers for Lawyers, an international organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and security of legal professionals, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment faced by prominent Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights defender, Shahanur Islam. This harassment, which has escalated recently, is believed to be a direct consequence of Mr. Islam's dedicated work in defending the rights of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

Shahanur Islam, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate, has been a steadfast champion for the marginalized communities of Bangladesh since 2008. His work has included offering legal counsel and representation to victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, indigenous peoples, child marriage survivors, victims of domestic abuse, and sexual minorities.