BANGLADESH: JMBF and SIL Express Deep Concern Over Recommendation to Remove 'Sharifa's Tale' from Seventh-Grade Textbook

Paris, France: France-based human rights organizations JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI+ (SIL) express deep concern over the recent recommendation by the expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh to remove "Sharifa's Tale" from the seventh-grade social science textbook.

JMBF and SIL strongly urge the Ministry of Education to reject this recommendation from the biased committee. Instead, they call for the formation of a new committee led by a Justice of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. This new committee should include education specialists, social scientists, and members of civil society to thoroughly investigate the content in question.

JMBF Attends International Conference on Combatting LGBTphobia in Paris

Paris, May 18, 2024- On May 17, 2024, the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted a significant conference dedicated to advancing the rights and protections for LGBT+ individuals globally. The International Day Against LGBTphobia conference, held at the Quai d’Orsay, attracted a diverse array of human rights advocates and legal experts who addressed the urgent need for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality.

Among the notable attendees was Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Islam, a prominent figure in the fight for LGBT+ rights in Bangladesh, contributed significantly to the discussions at the conference.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Groundbreaking Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023

Paris, France - May 17, 2024 - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) proudly announces the release of the "Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023," coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQI+ rights and underscores the importance of collective action in combating discrimination and prejudice.

This report, following the groundbreaking inaugural edition in 2022, represents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and advancements in LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh. It acknowledges that the documented incidents may not fully represent the actual number and types of abuses against LGBT individuals in Bangladesh, as many incidents go unreported due to social stigma and unacceptability.

Compiled by JMBF through rigorous monitoring of news media and analysis, the report covers developments in LGBTQI+ rights from January to December 2023. It provides a detailed examination of the legal, social, and cultural landscape impacting LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.

JMBF Granted Membership to IGLYO

Paris, France; May 14, 2024: In a remarkable stride towards fostering inclusivity and support for LGBTQI communities, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has achieved a significant milestone by securing membership in the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) Youth & Student Organisation (IGLYO) headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

The official announcement, made on May 14, 2024, following approval from the esteemed IGLYO board, marks a pivotal moment for JMBF, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to championing the rights and welfare of LGBTQI individuals.

JMBF, a prominent entity dedicated to social justice and equality, operates within France with a primary focus on empowering Bangladeshi communities. Through alignment with IGLYO, they aim to broaden their outreach and collaborate on a global scale to address the challenges facing LGBTQI youth and students worldwide.

JMBF's Urgent Demand for Justice in the Border Killings by Indian BSF and Immediate Halt to Violence

Paris, France; May 09, 2024: The France-based rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses profound anguish and outrage in the strongest condemnation of the recent unjust and egregious killings of two Bangladeshi nationals by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Tetulia border in Panchagarh district on May 8, 2023, early morning. The brutal and unwarranted killing of Abdul Jalil and Yasin Ali, unarmed youths whose lives were ruthlessly snatched away, is an affront to humanity and a blatant violation of human rights.

According to reports published in different news media in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that on May 08, 2024, early morning between 12:30 am to 1:00 am, the Indian Border Security Force killed two Bangladeshi youths, Abdul Jalil, 24, of the Magura area, and Yasin Ali, 23, of the Tiranihat Brammatal area, along the Tetulia border in Panchagarh district using only two bullets. One of the Bangladeshis sustained a bullet to his head, while injuries to another could not be seen due to profound bleeding on the body; The Indian forces took away their bodies after the killings.

Bangladesh: JMBF and SIL Express Strong Concern Over the Recent Arrest of Two Lesbian Individuals in Tangail

Paris, France; April 30, 2024: France-based rights organizations JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) jointly express profound concern and outrage over the recent arrest of two lesbian individuals from Tangail, Bangladesh, on April 21, 2024, due to their sexual orientation and same-sex relationship.

JMBF and SIL believe the arrest of the two lesbian women, who wished to marry, is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights and dignity as declared in the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Bangladesh: JMBF Strongly Protests the Tragic Killing of Bangladeshi Youth by BSF in Patgram Upazila, Lalmonirhat

Paris, France; May 2, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the heinous act of the tragic killing of Abul Kalam, a 22-year-old Bangladeshi youth, by India's Border Security Force (BSF) near the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat on the early morning of April 26, 2024.

JMBF asserts that the killing of Abul Kalam by the BSF is a clear violation of human rights and an egregious display of excessive use of force. His untimely demise due to excessive force serves as a poignant reminder of the grave dangers faced by innocent civilians residing in border areas.

Can we evade accountability for the death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha?

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Radia Teherin Utsha, a 19-year-old transgender model, tragically ended her life by jumping from the sixth-floor roof of Byatikram Mahila Hostel in Mirpur, Dhaka. Radia, a student in the honors first year at Mirpur Bangla College, took this drastic step.

The recent suicides of transgender individuals in Bangladesh, including Radia Tehrin Uthso who tragically took her own life, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for societal change. These heartbreaking losses highlight the profound challenges faced by transgender people in our country, challenges that demand immediate attention and decisive action from all sectors of society.

The young woman was seriously injured after leaping from the female hostel located at Mahua Manzil, Mirpur-10. Despite efforts to save her, Radia succumbed to her injuries at the emergency department of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital. It has been revealed that Radia had been concealing her transgender identity during her six-month stay at the hostel.

Statement:JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Alleged Police Torture Deaths in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon

Akram Hossain 

Paris, France; April 24, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed deep concern regarding the deaths of two individuals, including a leader of Jubo Dal, allegedly due to brutal torture by police in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon on April 16 and 8, 2023, respectively.

Demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of these alleged gross human rights violations, JMBF calls for the establishment of an inquiry committee led by a judicial magistrate to ensure integrity and transparency in the investigation process.

According to report published in different new media in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that On April 16, 2024, Tuesday evening, Ramiz Mia (50) from Burungamara village in North Sreepur Union of Tahirpur, Sunamganj, allegedly died in police custody during his arrest by members of the Tahirpur Police Station.

On April 17, his body was buried after a post-mortem examination at Sunamganj General Hospital. Ramiz Mia's family members allege that he died due to police beating and demand punishment for those involved. However, the police denied the allegations of beating and claimed that he ran away from the shop and they could not catch him again. After searching for some time, they left the place.

JMBF deeply mourns the recent tragic suicidal death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha in Dhaka.

Paris, France; April 23, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) deeply mourns the tragic suicidal death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha in Dhaka on April 22, 2024. JMBF believes that Radia Teherin Utsha's death is a sobering reminder of the human cost of prejudice and discrimination. We should honor her memory by redoubling our efforts to create a society where all people are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender identity.

JMBF learned from its reliable sources that Radia Teherin Utsha, a 19-year-old transgender model, tragically ended her life by jumping from the sixth-floor roof of Byatikram Mahila Hostel in Mirpur, Dhaka. Radia, a student in the honors first year at Mirpur Bangla College, took this drastic step on April 22, Monday, around 8:00 PM.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: ফরিদপুরে সাম্প্রদায়িক হামলায় দুই নির্মান শ্রমিক নিহতের ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীর ভাবে উদ্বিগ্ন!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স, ২০ এপ্রিল ২০২৪- গত ১৮ এপ্রিল ২০২৪ তারিখ বৃহষ্পতিবার দিবাগত রাতে ফরিদপুরের মঘুখালীতে মন্দিরে আগুন দেয়ার সন্দেহে হিন্দু ধর্মাম্বলী স্থানীয় জনগণের পিটুনিতে ইসলাম ধর্মাম্বলী দুই নির্মান শ্রমিকের মৃর্ত্যু এবং অন্তত সাতজন আহত হওয়ার ঘটনায় জাস্টিস মেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছে। 

উক্ত ঘটনায় অবিলম্বে বাংলাদেশ সুপ্রীম কোর্টের হাইকোর্ট বিভাগের বিজ্ঞ বিচারপতিকে প্রধান করে বিচার বিভাগীয় তদন্ত কমিটির মাধ্যমে সমগ্র বিষয়টি দ্রুত ও নিরপেক্ষে তদন্তপূর্বক দায়ী ব্যক্তিদের চিহ্নিত ও গ্রেফতারপূর্বক প্রচলিত আইনে স্বচ্ছ ও প্রকাশ্য বিচারে দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি প্রদানের আহবান জানিয়েছে ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ।

JMBF Granted Membership to International Observatory on Participatory Democracy

Today, on April 19, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has achieved a significant milestone by officially becoming a member of the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) network. The announcement, delivered by the IOPD Steering Committee, marks a pivotal moment for the organization, highlighting its dedication to advancing democratic principles globally.

The approval of JMBF's membership underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting participatory democracy and fostering citizen engagement, both in Bangladesh and beyond. Under the leadership of Advocate Shahanur Islam, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering communities and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, with a particular focus on advocating for the rights of the LGBT community.

Statement: JMBF Condemns Detention of Lesbian Couple in Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Paris, France; March 16, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed profound concern regarding the recent detention of a married lesbian couple by the Mongla police station in Bargethat. The detention followed a homophobic local public protest against the couple's expression of their sexual orientation and their marriage on April 13, 2024.

The France-based rights organization is deeply troubled by the police's actions in detaining the couple for 24 hours solely because of their decision to marry as a same-sex couple. JMBF views this incident as a blatant violation of the couple's constitutional rights and their dignity.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Granted Membership to Association for Women's Rights in Development

On April 13, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) was granted membership to the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID). This exciting development underscores JMBF's commitment to advancing gender equality and women's rights both locally and globally.

The news of JMBF's membership was met with great enthusiasm by the organization's members and supporters. "We are thrilled to have become members of AWID and to join forces with such a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting women's rights and gender justice," said Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France.

JMBF and SIL Join Forces at Salon De Association LGBT+ in Paris, France

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) recently collaborated to participate in the Salon De Association LGBT+ organized by the Inter LGBT in Paris, France, on April 7 and 8, 2024.

Representatives including Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, Robert Simon, President of SIL, WHITNEY ANTHONY, and Hervé CALDO, Board member of SIL, were present at the event on behalf of their respective organizations amongst others.

The highlight of their joint participation was the establishment of an information booth, where JMBF and SIL showcased an array of educational materials, informational resources, and communication tools. This booth served as a hub for engaging with attendees, disseminating crucial information, and fostering dialogue on LGBTQI rights, activism, and advocacy efforts.

Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Conviction of Transgender Individuals in Dhaka, Demands Immediate Release

Paris, France; April 7, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent conviction and imprisonment of five individuals from the transgender/third gender/hijra community on charges of extortion and public disturbance at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, on April 6, 2024.

France-based Rights Organization JMBF believes that this action, aimed at the sexual minority transgender/hijra/third gender community, will exacerbate the marginalization of an already vulnerable group in society and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, failing to address the root causes of their alleged behavior and activities.

Statement:JMBF Strongly Condemns BSF Shootings Along Indo-Bangla Border, Demands Immediate Halt to Violence

Paris,France; April 05, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly protests and expresses deep concern over the deaths of two Bangladeshi citizens and the injuries to five others in Chapainababganj, Lalmonirhat, and Jessore along the Indo-Bangla border in the last week. 

The France base human rights organisation demands an immediate halt to all firing at the Indo-Bangla border and calls for an independent joint international investigation to bring the alleged BSF perpetrators to justice.