JusticeMakers Bangladesh France (JMBF) Quarterly eNewsletter (Oct-Dec 2023)

We are thrilled to present the latest issue of our quarterly enewsletter, covering October to December 2023. At JusticeMakers Bangladesh France (JMBF), we remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting equitable justice and driving positive change within our communities. In this edition, we delve into insightful articles and impactful initiatives that highlight the progress we've made in advancing our mission. We invite you to explore these stories that showcase our dedication to creating a more just and equitable world. 

প্রেস বিবৃতি: জামালপুর ও হবিগঞ্জে পুলিশ হেফাজতে শারীরিক নির্যাতনে দুই আসামী নিহতের অভিযোগের ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ বিচার বিভাগীয় তদন্তের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; ২৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩: গত ২৬ ডিসেম্বর মঙ্গলবার বাংলাদেশের জামালপুর জেলার অন্তর্গত সরিষাবাড়ী থানায় এবং হবিগঞ্জ জেলার অন্তর্গত বানিয়াচং থানায় পুলিশ হেফাজতে নির্যাতনের কারণে আনোয়ার হোসেন ও গোলাম রব্বানী নামক দুইজন গ্রেফতারকৃত আসামীর কথিত মৃত্যুর অভিযোগের ঘটনায় ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছে।

জেএমবিএফ বিচারিক ম্যাজিস্ট্রেটের নেতৃত্বে একটি তদন্ত কমিটি গঠন করে নিরপক্ষে তদন্তের মাধ্যমে উল্লেখিত মানবাধিকারের চরম লঙ্ঘনজনিত ঘটনার সাথে জড়িত ব্যক্তিদের খুজে বের করে দ্রুত স্বচ্ছ বিচারের মাধ্যমে অভিযুক্তদের দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি প্রদানের জোড় দাবি করেছে।

বাংলাদেশে প্রকাশিত একাধিক সংবাদ মাধ্যম সূত্রে জানা গেছে, জামালপুর জেলার সরিষাবাড়ী থানাধীন চাপরকোনা গ্রামের আনোয়ার হোসেনকে (৪৫)গত ২৬ ডিসেম্বর বিকেলে চাঁপারকোনা বাজার থেকে একটি মামলায় গ্রেপ্তার করা হয়। সরিষাবাড়ী থানার ভারপ্রাপ্ত কর্মকর্তা (ওসি) মুশফিকুর রহমান জানান, মঙ্গলবার সন্ধ্যায় আনোয়ারকে থানায় আনার পর অসুস্থ হয়ে পড়ে। মধ্যরাত ১টার দিকে সরিষাবাড়ী উপজেলা স্বাস্থ্য কমপ্লেক্সে নেওয়ার পথে তার মৃত্যু হয়। পরে জামালপুর জেনারেল হাসপাতালে ময়নাতদন্ত শেষে তার লাশ পরিবারের কাছে হস্তান্তর করে পুলিশ।

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls for Justice and Accountability for the Alleged Two Deaths Due to Torture under Police Custody in Jamalpur & Habiganj

Paris, France; December 28, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and outraged over the alleged death of Anwar Hossain and Golam Rabbani due to torture in police custody at Sarishabari Police Station under Jamalpur district and Baniachang Police Station under Habiganj district in Bangladesh, on December 26, 2023.

JMBF demands exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in the alleged gross human rights violation, investigating by forming an inquiry committee led by a judicial magistrate to ensure the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings.

Multiple news sources reported that Anwar Hossain (45) of village Chaparkona under Sarishabari police station in Jamalpur district was arrested on December 26 in the afternoon in connection with a case filed on December 25 for locking into an altercation with one Firoz Mia in Chaparkona market on December 10. Mushfiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sarishabari police station, said Anwar fell ill after being brought to the police station on Tuesday evening. He died while being taken to Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex around 1 am. Mehedi Hasan, the duty doctor of Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex, said Anwar was brought dead to the hospital. An ECG was also performed to confirm his death. Police later handed over his dead body to his family after the completion of the autopsy by Jamalpur General Hospital. However, the deceased’s family claimed that Anwar died due to torture in custody. Anwar's wife, Alpana Begum, said that her husband was completely sound when he was picked up by the police, and her husband was killed due to torture by police in Sarishabari police station. His sister, Nurjahan Begum, demanded justice for the killing of her brother. Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Sohel Rana, the investigating officer of the case, denied the family’s torture and murder allegations.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Cancellation of Transgender Quota at Dhaka University and Attacks on Transgender Candidates in Rangpur

Paris, France; December 26, 2023: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and protests over the announcement of the cancellation of the transgender quota set by Dhaka University authorities in undergraduate education, in response to the movement by reactionary Muslim students. JMBF also condemns the attack on Anwara Islam Rani, a transgender independent candidate in the Rangpur-3 constituency during the 12th national election.

JMBF believes that despite being part of the backward and neglected groups in society, the cancellation of the transgender quota by Dhaka University authorities, influenced by the reactionary Muslim students' movement, and the incident of the attack on Anwara Islam Rani, an independent candidate in Rangpur-3 constituency during the 12th National Assembly elections by the leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party, a self-proclaimed opposition party in the Jatiya Sangsad, is a clear violation of Bangladesh's supreme law, the Constitution, and the universal human rights declared by the United Nations.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে স্নাতক শিক্ষাক্রমে ট্রান্সজেণ্ডার কোটা বাতিল এবং রংপুরে জাতীয় সংসদ সদস্য পদপার্থী ট্রান্সজেণ্ডার নারীর উপর হামলার ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীরভাবে উদ্বিগ্ন!

প্যারিস,ফ্রান্স;২৬ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩: প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল মুসলিম ছাত্র ছাত্রীদের আন্দোলনের মূখে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কর্তৃপক্ষ কর্তৃক স্নাতক পর্যায়ের শিক্ষাক্রমে নির্ধারিত ট্রান্সজেন্ডার কোটা বাতিলের ঘোষণা এবং দ্বাদশ জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনে রংপুর-৩ আসনে ট্রান্সজেন্ডার নারী স্বতন্ত্র প্রার্থী আনোয়ারা ইসলাম রানীর উপর আক্রমণের ঘটনায় ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)গভীর উদ্বেগ ও প্রতিবাদ জানিয়েছে।

সমাজের পশ্চাদপদ অবহেলিত জনগোষ্ঠির অংশ হওয়া স্বত্তেও শুধুমাত্র যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের অন্তর্ভূক্ত হওয়ায় প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল মুসলিম ছাত্র ছাত্রীদের আন্দোলনের মূখে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় কর্তৃপক্ষ কর্তৃক স্নাতক পর্যায়ের শিক্ষাক্রমে নির্ধারিত ট্রান্সজেন্ডার কোটা বাতিলের ঘোষণা এবং বর্তমান সরকারের সহযোগী ও জাতীয় সংসদের তথাকথিত বিরোধী দল জাতীয় পার্টির নেতা কর্মীদের দ্বারা দ্বাদশ জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনে রংপুর-৩ আসনে স্বতন্ত্র প্রার্থী ট্রান্সজেন্ডার নারী আনোয়ারা ইসলাম রানীর উপর আক্রমণের ঘটনা বাংলাদেশের সর্বোচ্চ আইন সংবিধান ও জাতিসংঘ ঘোষিত সার্বজনীন মানবাধিকারের সুস্পষ্ট লংঘন বলে জেএমবিএফ মনে করে।

Press Release: JMBF Publishes State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2022: Reveals Alarming Levels of Violence

Paris, France; December 18, 2023: In a groundbreaking initiative, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the first-ever comprehensive State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh for the year 2022, focusing on violence against LGBTQI+ people. The report, meticulously compiled by JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and published by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), sheds light on the harrowing struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh, offering a stark portrayal of pervasive discrimination and violence against sexual minority groups.

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder Secretary General of JMBD and Founder President of JMBF, expressed a profound mixture of concern and determination in the foreword, emphasizing the organization's solemn obligation to confront and rectify the injustices that plague the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

The report, emanating and published from Paris, France on December 18, 2023, through a press release underscores the gravity of the situation, being the first of its kind to meticulously document violations against the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh. Prior to this undertaking, no organization, whether within Bangladesh or on the global stage, has dared to provide such a comprehensive perspective on the struggles faced by the LGBTQI+ community in Bangladesh.

Advocate Shahanur Islam expresses a solemn commitment to addressing the injustices and emphasizes the collective responsibility of policymakers, legislators, civil society entities, and community leaders in effecting positive change.

প্রেস বিজ্ঞপ্তিঃ জেএমবিএফ এর বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির অধিকার বিষয়ক বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন ২০২২ প্রকাশ!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; ১৮ ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৩: ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) প্রথমবারের মতো বাংলাদেশে সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার বিষয়ক বিস্তারিত প্রদিবেদন “বাংলাদেশে সমকামী অধিকার ২০২২” প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশের বিভিন্ন সংবাদ মাধ্যমে প্রকাশিত সমকামী ব্যক্তির প্রতি সহিংসতা, বৈষম্য ও অধিকার সংক্রান্ত খবর জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)কর্তৃক নিয়মিত সংকলন ও যাচায়পূর্বক প্রাপ্ত তথ্য জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)১৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩ এ প্রতিবেদন আকারে প্রকাশ করেছে।

বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী গোষ্ঠীর বিরুদ্ধে চলমান ব্যাপক বৈষম্য ও সহিংসতার একটি স্পষ্ট চিত্র তুলে ধরাসহ প্রতিবেদনটিতে বাংলাদেশে সমকামী সম্প্রদায় প্রতিনিয়ত যে সকল কঠিন সংগ্রামের মাধ্যমে বেঁচে রয়েছে তাঁর উপর বিস্তারিত আলোকপাত করা করেছে।

জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ (জেএমবিডি)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা মহাসচিব এবং জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা সভাপতি অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানুর ইসলাম প্রতিবেদনটি সম্পাদনা করেছেন। তিনি প্রতিবেদনের মুখবন্ধে বাংলাদেশে যৌন সংখ্যালঘু সমকামী সম্প্রদায় যেসব সহিংসতা, অবিচার, বৈষম্য, নির্যাতনের শিকার হয় তা নিরসনে তাঁর প্রতিষ্ঠিত মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জেএমবিডি এবং জেএমবিএফ আন্তরিকভাবে কাজ করবে বলে সংকল্প ব্যক্ত করেছেন।

JMBF Participates in UNESCO's 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) actively participated in the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Permanent Representation of the European Union on December 11, 2023. The event served as a momentous occasion to reaffirm the global commitment to human rights and their crucial role in UNESCO's mission encompassing education, science, culture, and communication.

Focusing on UNESCO's Global Priorities—Africa and Gender Equality—the commemoration provided a platform for diverse perspectives, addressing the connections, challenges, and opportunities for impactful action in the realm of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, continues to be hailed as "the common standard of achievement for all people and all nations."

JMBF Participates in the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In a world grappling with challenges to human rights, France hosted a pivotal conference at the iconic Palais de Chaillot in Paris on December 10, 2023, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event, organized by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Minister of Justice, aimed to rekindle dialogue, foster international cooperation, and reaffirm the timeless importance of the Declaration as a foundation for fundamental rights and liberties.

The conference, titled "75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Defending the Rights of Everyone, Everywhere," was concluded by a powerful speech from the President of the Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron. The gathering served as a platform to address contemporary challenges to human rights and underline the universal and indivisible nature of these rights.

The event comprised three insightful round table discussions, exploring crucial themes: supporting and protecting human rights defenders, the new frontiers for rights, and fighting impunity everywhere.

Founder President of JMBF, Shahanur Islam, Presents Paper on LGBTQI+ Rights at International Conference in Berlin

Shahanur Islam, the esteemed Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), showcased his groundbreaking research on the plight of LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh at the prestigious International Conference on LGBT Studies. The event, held in Berlin, Germany from December 7th to 9th, 2023, provided a platform for scholars, activists, and advocates to address crucial issues facing the LGBTQI+ community worldwide.

Islam's paper shed light on the pervasive violence experienced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, delving into the socio-cultural factors contributing to their marginalization and discrimination. His research not only highlighted the challenges faced by this community but also proposed actionable strategies for promoting inclusivity and fostering acceptance within Bangladeshi society.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Founder President Advocates for LGBTI Rights at HELP International Conference

In a groundbreaking event organized by the Council of Europe's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGI) unit, the Help international course launch and conference on LGBTI persons in the asylum procedure took place on December 4, 2023, at the Council of Europe premises in Strasbourg, France. Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF), was in attendance, emphasizing the organization's commitment to promoting justice and human rights for all.

The conference featured esteemed speakers such as Thorsten Afflerbach, Head of Division, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Programmes at the Council of Europe, Jeroen Schokkenbroek, Director of the Directorate of Anti-Discrimination, and Leyla Kayacik, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe for Migration and Refugees. Other notable participants included Andreas Wissner, UNHCR Representative to the European Institutions in Strasbourg, and Eva Pastrana, Head of the HELP Programme at the Council of Europe.

Statement: JMBF expresses deep concern about the restriction of a transgender woman from participating in the Women's Career Carnival as a speaker at North South University.

Paris, France; November 26, 2023: The France-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed profound concern and protest over the cancellation of the scheduled session featuring Bangladeshi transgender woman Ho Chi Minh Islam as a speaker at the Women's Career Carnival. The cancellation was reportedly influenced by pressure from conservative student groups at North South University. JMBF believes that the discriminatory treatment of Ho Chi Minh Islam, solely because she is a transgender woman, is a blatant violation of Bangladesh's Supreme Law Constitution and the universal human rights declared by the United Nations.

Based on various reliable sources, JMBF has learned that on November 24-25, 2023, two organizations, Heroes for All and ISOSHAL, organized the Women's Career Carnival at the North South University campus. The event aimed to empower women through networking, learning, and professional development. Transgender woman and rights activist Ho Chi Minh Islam was scheduled to participate as a speaker in a session on the afternoon of November 24. Her speech was intended to address the inclusion of marginalized communities in the workforce and the creation of an inclusive environment for their work.

Statement: JMBF Urges Justice for the Killing of Homosexual Butcher Khairul Islam in Dhaka

Paris, France; November 20, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern over the recent tragic and heinous murder of Khairul Islam, a gay butcher at Dakkhinkhan in Dhaka on the night of November 12, 2023.

The rights organization urges the government to give exemplary punishment to the alleged culprit through a prompt and fair trial. Additionally, they call for immediate measures to protect members of the LGBT community, preventing similar incidents in the future.

According to reports from various Bangladeshi news media, police recovered Butcher Khairul's bloodied body wrapped in a blanket from his shop in Dakshinkhan police station in Dhaka on the night of September 12, 2023. One wound was found on his nose, and three sharp weapon wounds were discovered on his neck. Initially, investigators had no leads, but later, individuals were arrested on suspicion. During intensive interrogation, Shahidul Islam, a butcher from a nearby shop, admitted that he worked at Judge Mia's meat shop in Adam Ali Market. Every day, after selling meat, he went home to Bereid. However, on the day of the incident, Khairul asked him to sleep in his shop, "Afsal Gost Bitan." Shahidul agreed, and around 11 o'clock, Khairul allegedly attempted a homosexual advance. Shahidul, angered by this, hit Khairul's face with a meat cutter chapati from Khairul's butcher's box, causing him to fall. Shahidul then struck Khairul's right-side neck more than three times to ensure his death. After confirming the victim's death, he wiped the body with a blanket, placed it in a box, covered Khairul with another blanket, and fled the scene.

JMBF Founder Shahanur Islam Addresses at Seminar on Asylum Process in France

Paris,France; November 19, 2023: In a compelling seminar organized by Solidarities Asie France (SAF) in Paris on November 18, 2023, Bangladeshi Human Rights Lawyer and Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh, Advocate Shahanur Islam, took center stage to shed light on reasons compelling Bangladeshi citizens to leave their homeland for Europe, particularly France, and seek asylum. The event drew the participation of around 40 Bangladeshi asylum seekers at various stages of their application.

The seminar, aimed at providing valuable insights into the asylum procedures at different stages, featured notable speakers, including France Lawyer Mr. Akash Helal, Paris Youth Councillor Nayan NK, and Researcher Gaktane Lamarche Vadel.

JMBF Calls for an End to Border Shootings by BSF on the Indo-Bangla Border

Paris, France; November 14, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern regarding the tragic death of Samirul Haque, a 16-year-old Bangladeshi, due to gunfire by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Godagari border in the Rajshahi district on November 09, 2023.

The human rights organization based in France, JMBF, strongly condemns the killing of Samirul Haque and calls for a halt to all border killings by the BSF, in compliance with international laws and principles.

As reported by various Bangladeshi newspapers, on November 9th at noon, Samirul Haque, son of Hasibul Islam from Barinagar village, was fatally shot by the BSF at the Godagari border in Rajshahi. The incident occurred at the Diyar Manikchak border of Charashariadah union in the Godagari upazila of Rajshahi district.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Participates Paris Peace Forum 2023 in France

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) proudly participated in the prestigious Paris Peace Forum 2023, marking the 6th edition of this international gathering held at the historic Palais Brongniart in the heart of Paris, France, from November 10th to 11th, 2023.

Mr. Moynuddin Khan, Treasurer of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, attends as one of the esteemed delegates at Paris Peace Forum 2023. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) emphasized the importance of facilitating dialogue, creating action-oriented coalitions, and defining norms to provide efficient responses to the pressing challenges of our time.

ReportOUT and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Collaborate to Study LGBTQI Issues in Bangladesh

In a landmark move, ReportOUT, a UK-based human rights research organization, partners with JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) to delve into the realities of sexual and gender minorities in Bangladesh.

In a groundbreaking collaboration for human rights advocacy, two internationally recognized organizations, ReportOUT from the United Kingdom and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), have officially sealed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement, inked in October 2023, is poised to undertake an extensive study focusing on the LGBTQI community in Bangladesh.

Representatives Drew Dalton, Chair, and Founder, alongside Phil Thomas, Lead Trustee of Human Rights Research, represented ReportOUT. On the other side, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), stood as the face of the Memorandum of Understanding.