JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Quarterly eNewsletter of (January-March 2024)

As we embark on a new year filled with hope and determination, I am thrilled to present the inaugural edition of our Quarterly Newsletter covering the period from January to March 2024. Within these pages, we capture the tireless efforts and remarkable achievements of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The beginning of 2024 has brought forth significant milestones for our organization. From advocating for the rights of marginalized communities to promoting social justice initiatives, JMBF has remained steadfast in its commitment to defending human rights and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns BSF Killings of Bangladeshi Civilians: Calls for Urgent International Action

Paris, France: March 27, 2024 - Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and vehement protest over the recent shooting deaths of three unarmed Bangladeshi citizens and the injuring of another by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) within the past two weeks.

The JMBF, a human rights organization based in France, strongly condemns these egregious acts of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians along the India-Bangladesh border. These incidents represent a blatant violation of human rights, and as such, demand immediate attention and action from the international community.

Transgender Individual committed Suicide in Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria Due to Mental Stress

On March 25, 2024, Saidul Islam Nayan (26) committed suicide by hanging himself in Darra village of Nabinagar upazila, Brahmanbaria. Nayan was the eldest of three sons of Md. Shariful Islam and Nargis Akhtar from Darra village in the Rasullabad union. It is known that he had been in Saudi Arabia for a long time.

According to family sources, although Nayan was biologically male, his behavior was akin to that of the third gender. Hijras are often ridiculed by locals for their affinity and feminine nature. Locals believe that he may have committed suicide due to social bullying and the inferiority complex associated with being a hijra. The Acting Police Inspector (OC) of Nabinagar Police Station stated that more details will be provided after the investigation.

STATEMENT: JMBF is gravely concerned about the detention of four lesbian girls in Manikganj and Natore by the homophobic public.

Paris, France; March 20, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and aggrieved about the recent detention of four lesbian girls in Manikganj and Natore districts by the homophobic public, respectively on March 09 and February 23, 2024, due to expressing their sexual orientation and willingness to get married.

The France-based rights organization, JMBF, considers their detention and handing over to the police by the homophobic public, due to the expression of same-sex relationships and willingness to get married, clear violations of their fundamental human rights and dignity.

JMBF urges the concerned authorities to take immediate action against those homophobic individuals involved in such heinous incidents of interfering with personal lives and privacy.

According to reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh, on March 9, 2023, two lesbian women were detained by local residents in Singair, under the Manikganj district.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arrest of Two Lesbian Girls in Satkhira

Paris, France; March 12, 2024: The France-based rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and outrage over the recent arrest of two lesbian individuals from Satkhira on January 04, 2024. These arrests, which occurred solely based on the girls' sexual orientation and their same-sex relationship, are a grave violation of their rights and dignity.

According to reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh, the two lesbian teenagers were apprehended from the Brajabaksa area of Helatla Union in Kalaroa Upazila on January 4, 2024, by the members of the Kalaroa Police Station. One of the arrested girls is Mahima Khatun (17), daughter of Abdul Mannan from Idanpur village in the Doara Bazar police station of Sunamganj district, and the other is Rubina Khatun (18), daughter of Anisur Rahman from Brajbaksa village in Helatla Union of Kalaroa Upazila in Satkhira.

JMBF President Raises Concerns Over Hate Speech and Misinformation to French President Macron

At the culmination of the historic constitutional sealing ceremony for the right to abortion on International Women’s Day, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), engaged in a brief yet significant discussion with President Emmanuel Macron of France. The conversation, held at the iconic Place Vendôme in Paris, underscored pressing concerns regarding hate speech and misinformation originating from Bangladeshi politicians, particularly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

Bangladeshi Homosexual Asylum Application in Europe: What is the Reality?

Shahanur Islam

It is known from various unsupported sources that the number of asylum applications from Bangladeshi citizens has increased alarmingly in various European countries, including France, because they are members of the homosexual community and have fled the country to escape state discrimination, oppression, and torture by family, neighbors, and society leaders. 

Although many of the Bangladeshi asylum seekers claiming homosexuality have been persecuted in Bangladesh because of their sexual orientation, it is believed that the number of fraudulent asylum applications among the applicants who are not actually homosexual but who have applied for asylum claiming to be homosexual is not less.

 Although many receive asylum by fraudulently claiming to be gay in order to secure asylum, such fraudulent events undermine the credibility of genuine gay asylum seekers in the asylum system. As a result, homosexuals who are victims of actual persecution are often denied asylum.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Hair-Cutting Punishment of Students at School in Munshiganj

Paris, France; February 29, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemns in the strongest terms the recent incident of cutting the hair of nine students for not wearing hijab by a teacher at Syedpur Abdur Rahman School and College in Munshiganj, Bangladesh.

The act of cutting the students' hair as a form of punishment for their religious attire is deeply concerning and constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights and dignity. No student should ever be subjected to such humiliation and discrimination based on their personal choices or beliefs.

JMBF urges the authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident and to take exemplary action against the accused teacher. It is imperative that justice is swiftly served and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Discriminatory Actions Against LGBT Individuals by Major Political Parties in Bangladesh

Paris, France; February 26, 2024: The France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over recent discriminatory actions against transgender and homosexual individuals, as well as the propagation of hate speech against homosexuality in Bangladesh by major political parties, including the ruling party Bangladesh Awami League, the main opposition party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jatio Party, and the Islamic-religion-based political party Islami Andolon Bangladesh.

According to reports published in various Bangladeshi newspapers, on February 4th, the Opposition Chief Whip of the National Parliament in Bangladesh and Jatiya Party General Secretary, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, demanded the removal of two lines from a seventh-grade textbook, claiming they were controversial with Islam. He argued that the inclusion of transgenderism in the textbook was solely aimed at creating social chaos by undermining traditional social values. 

STATEMENT: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Condemns Arrest of Lesbian Individual in Dhaka

Paris, France; February 20, 2024: The France-based rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and anger over the arrest of a sexual minority lesbian girl from Dhaka, who has been arrested and sent to jail custody on false and fabricated kidnapping charges in Barishal, solely because of her sexual orientation and same-sex relationship.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, Mim Akhter, the daughter of Sahidul Islam from Bahadurpur village in Muladi upazila of Barisal, fell in love with Rober Liza, a jim trainer and a former cricket player of the National Women's Cricket Team of Bangladesh. Later, she divorced her husband, as she was forced into marriage by her parents about five years ago. On January 25, 2024, she finally ran away with her girlfriend, Rober Liza, for the third time after repeated attempts and married her. However, her girlfriend, Rober Liza, was arrested in the kidnapping case filed by her mother. Police arrested her girlfriend, Rober Liza, along with her from Dhaka on February 12, 2024.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Granted Formal Membership in Transgender Europe (TGEU)

In a significant development for the LGBTQI+ rights movement, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially become a member of Transgender Europe (TGEU), on 6th February 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the organization's commitment to advancing the rights and visibility of transgender individuals.

TGEU, a prominent organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of transgender and gender-diverse people across Europe and Central Asia, welcomed JMBF into its fold with great enthusiasm. The announcement was made following JMBF's expressed interest in joining TGEU, showcasing mutual dedication to amplifying transgender voices and addressing systemic inequalities.

As a newly inducted member, JMBF gains access to a host of benefits provided by TGEU. These include privileged information about events, campaigns, funding opportunities, and other pertinent resources through a dedicated members-only mailing list. Furthermore, JMBF will have access to capacity-building support in various crucial areas such as networking, fundraising, community organizing, advocacy, and burn-out prevention, strengthening its ability to effect positive change within the transgender community.

Human Rights Lawyer Addresses LGBTQI+ Violence in Bangladesh at International Conference in Paris

In a stirring address at the International Conference on Persecution of LGBT+ people held at Gaîté Lyrique, Paris, Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi Human Rights lawyer and Founder President of JusticeMaker Bangladesh in France (JMBF), shed light on the harrowing reality faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. 

The conference, jointly organized by esteemed organizations including the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH), ILGA World, Egides, Stop Homophobia, and LGBT International Solidarity on 6th February 2024, provided a platform for advocates and activists to discuss and address the global panorama of violence against the LGBTQI+ community.

Shahanur Islam's presentation delved into the findings of a media monitoring report on violence against LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh throughout 2022, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by this marginalized community. According to the report, a total of 204 LGBTQI+ individuals were subjected to significant violence across 51 incidents, ranging from killings and physical assaults to psychological abuse, attempted suicides, and various forms of harassment and extortion.

Statement: JMBF Calls for Justice for the Death of Faruk Hossain Hossain Due to Alleged Torture in Police Custody at Dhaka!

Paris, France; February 02, 2023: France base human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Faruk Hossain Hossain, a bodybuilder and former Mister Bangladesh, as well as the personal bodyguard of the former chairman of City Bank Limited, Mohammad Shoaib, due to alleged torture by the police at Bangshal Police Station under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) following arrest for possession of cannabis.

JMBF urges the formation of a judicial inquiry committee, headed by a justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, to investigate this incident, ensuring the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings. JMBF also calls for exemplary punishment for the alleged culprits through a fair and transparent trial under the Prohibition of Torture and Death in Custody Law 2013.

STATEMENT: JMBF Expresses Grave Concerns Over the Misinformation Campaign Against the Positive Inclusion of Third-Gender Portrayal in Textbooks.

Paris, France; January 24, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the recent actions and statements made by Mr. Asif Mahatab Utsho, a former teacher at BRAC University. The incident, which involves false propaganda against the positive portrayal of third gender issues and spreading misinformation about homosexuality in Bangladesh and Europe, along with the subsequent tearing up of Class Seven textbook pages, is highly concerning and goes against the principles of responsible academic discourse.

লিঙ্গভিত্তিক সহিংসতার শিকার নারী কি শরণার্থী মর্যাদা পেতে পারে?

অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানূর ইসলাম

জেনেভা কনভেনশান অনুযায়ী কোন ব্যক্তি যদি তার জাতি,ধর্ম, নাগরিকতা, বিশেষ সম্প্রদায়, অথবা রাজনৈতিক বিশ্বাসের কারণে নিপীড়নের এমন আশঙ্কা করেন যা সুনির্দিষ্ট সাক্ষ্য –প্রমানের ভিত্তিতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত ; সেই নিপীড়নের আশংকার কারণে যদি সে যে দেশের নাগরিক তার বাইরে অবস্থান করে, এবং নিজ দেশে নিরপত্তা না পাওয়ায় আশংকা করে, অথবা উক্ত নিপীড়নের আশঙ্কার দরুন নিজ দেশের নিরপত্তা ব্যবস্থার উপর আস্থাহীন হয় এবং পূর্বে যে দেশে স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাস করছিল সেই দেশে ফিরতে পারছে না, অথবা উক্ত নিপীড়নের আশংকার দরুন সেই দেশে ফিরে যেতে অনিচ্ছুক হয় তবে উক্ত ব্যক্তিকে শরনার্থীর মর্যাদা প্রদান করা হয়|

এখন প্রশ্ন হল লিঙ্গভিত্তিক সহিংসতার শিকার নারীরা কি জেনেভা কনভেনশান অনুযায়ী শরণার্থী মর্যাদা পেতে পারে?

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Receives Membership in the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality.

In a historic development, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization based in France aiming to ensure the rights of LGBT people in Bangladesh, has been honored with membership in the prestigious Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH) on 16th January 2024. This recognition marks a significant stride in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the decriminalization of homosexuality.

The Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality is renowned for its unwavering commitment to advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality, as well as establishing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and fostering inclusivity on an international scale. The inclusion of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) underscores the growing importance of collaboration between organizations across borders to achieve common goals in the realm of human rights.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has long been at the forefront of championing the rights of marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ population. This acknowledgment by the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality highlights the organization's dedicated efforts in promoting equality and justice.

JMBF Receives 1000 Euro Solidarity Donation from Solidarity International LGBT

Paris, France; 2nd January 2024: In a gesture of global solidarity, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) received a significant donation of 1000.00 (one thousand) Euros from Solidarity International LGBT (SIL), a France-based non-profit association. This generous contribution is earmarked for the procurement of computer equipment, pivotal for monitoring, documenting, and reporting human rights violations against the sexual minority in Bangladesh.

The funds will also fuel JMBF's efforts in conducting lobbying, campaigns, and advocacy work aimed at bringing perpetrators of violations to justice and advancing the cause of decriminalizing homosexuality in Bangladesh.

Expressing profound gratitude, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a prominent human rights lawyer, extended heartfelt thanks to Mr. Robert Simon, President of SIL, and the entire SIL team on behalf of the JMBF family. He emphasized the critical role this donation plays in fortifying their commitment to safeguarding the rights of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.