STATEMENT: JMBF Welcomes UN High Commissioner Volker Türk’s Visit to Bangladesh, Calling for Urgent Action on Human Rights Violations and Judicial Independence

Paris, France | October 29, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) welcomes the visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, to Bangladesh from October 29 to 30, 2024. This visit comes at a critical moment, as Bangladesh faces urgent human rights concerns under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, alongside documented abuses under the previous government led by Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina.

JMBF believes this visit provides a pivotal opportunity to address Bangladesh’s human rights and rule-of-law challenges following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, and the interim government’s assumption of power on August 8, 2024.

JMBF Founder Advocate Shahanur Islam Attends IGLYO’s 40th Anniversary Members' General Assembly 2024 in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), recently joined LGBTQI+ youth advocates from across Europe to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the International LGBTQI+ Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO). This milestone Members' General Assembly, held from October 24 to 27, 2024, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, commemorated four decades of IGLYO’s dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for LGBTQI+ youth across Europe and beyond.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Refraining of Professor from All Academic Activities at Islamic University, Kushtia, Due to Sexual Orientation

Paris, France; October 26, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the recent decision to refrain Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam of the Development Studies Department at Islamic University, Kushtia, from all departmental activities, including teaching, due to allegations of homosexuality made on October 23, 2024.

The actions of the university authorities, including barring him from all departmental activities, represent a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and academic freedom. Such actions perpetuate discrimination, intolerance, and fear, contradicting the principles of human dignity and equality.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL)

Paris, France; October 23, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the recent ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) by the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate for Peace, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, announced on October 23, 2024, under the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009. This decision, taken in response to demands from the student movement against discrimination, raises serious questions about the government’s motivations and the broader implications for civil liberties and democratic practices in Bangladesh.

The decision to ban the BCL, a 76-year-old pro-Awami League student organization, came in response to demands from a student movement against discrimination, following an ultimatum by the students to intensify their demonstrations if the BCL was not banned within the week. JMBF questions the legitimacy of a decision made under pressure from the protests and whether it genuinely serves the interests of justice or reflects an attempt to appease certain factions in a politically charged environment.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns Arbitrary Arrest and Inhumane Treatment of Barrister Syedul Haque Sumon, Calls for Immediate Release and Investigation

Paris, France; October 22, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest and degrading treatment of Barrister Syed Syedul Haque Sumon, a former Member of Parliament, renowned social worker, anti-corruption activist, and lawyer, who was detained by police in the early hours of October 22, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. His arrest, on questionable charges related to the anti-discrimination student movement, along with his inhumane treatment while in custody, represents a grave violation of national and international human rights standards.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Attempted Murder Case Filed Against Prominent Lawyer and Human Rights Defender ZI Khan Panna in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 21, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the baseless and politically motivated filing of an attempted murder case against the distinguished Supreme Court lawyer, human rights defender, and chairman of the renowned human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), ZI Khan Panna, on October 17, 2024.

The case, brought by Md Baker at Khilgaon police station, accuses 180 individuals, including Mr. Panna, of involvement in the July 19, 2024, incident in Meradia Bazar during the anti-quota movement protests. This charge is clearly an attempt to stifle his advocacy for justice and human rights in Bangladesh, as well as retaliation for his criticism of the current government led by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus—a blatant violation of human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Urgently Calls for Justice and the Unconditional Release of Lawyers Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 20, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its grave concern and strongly protests the recent arbitrary arrests of two lawyers associated with the Dhaka Lawyers Association while carrying out their professional duties. We urgently call for justice and the unconditional release of Advocates Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain, who were detained solely for fulfilling their roles as defense lawyers.

Advocate Mustafizur Rahman Talukdar Dipu, the former Senior Deputy General Secretary of the Dhaka Lawyers Association, and Advocate Kazi Akram Hossain were unjustly arrested on the night of October 16, 2024, by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Civil Police on false charges of murder. This act clearly threatens their professional integrity and constitutes a violation of their human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Police Brutality Against Peaceful Protest by Teachers in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 18, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent brutal police crackdown on the peaceful demonstration by teachers from various private colleges across the country in Dhaka on October 17, 2024. It is deeply concerning that 33 teachers, including 11 women assaulted while exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully.

The use of batons, sound grenades, and water cannons by the police against unarmed educators, who were merely exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly, is a grave violation of both Bangladeshi and international laws protecting human rights.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Murder of Transgender Woman Ayub Ali in Tangail, Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 17, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the tragic and senseless murder of Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman, who was brutally killed on October 12, 2024, in Tangail, Bangladesh. Her body, bearing clear signs of violence, was discovered the following morning in an abandoned house near the microbus stand in the new bus stand area of Tangail. The police found a cloth tightly wrapped around her neck, with evidence of struggle, suggesting that she may have been strangled. A murder case has been filed, and investigations are underway to bring those responsible to justice.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Protests the Indemnity Decision Concerning Violent Incidents during the July-August Mass Uprising

Two police officers were killed and seen hanging upside
down from a footbridge on a road in Dhaka.

Paris, France; October 15, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns and protests the recent announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh interim government, which grants indemnity to those involved in the violent incidents during the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh. This decision, which effectively exempts those responsible for violence and disorder from facing legal consequences, represents a betrayal of the principles of justice and accountability.

STATEMENT: JMBF Vehemently Condemns Religious Disruption at JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap, Chittagong

Paris, France; October 11, 2024 – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) vehemently condemns the shocking and deliberate disruption of religious harmony at the JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap in Chittagong on October 10, 2024. Six members of the Chittagong Cultural Academy, a group linked to the Islamic fundamentalist political party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, infiltrated the celebration of Durga Puja—a major Hindu religious event—under false pretenses. After deceptively obtaining permission to perform patriotic songs, they audaciously staged an Islamic musical performance in the middle of a dance show during the Hindu religious program.

STATEMENT: World Day Against Death Penalty 2024 – JMBF Firmly Calls for the Abolition of Death Penalty in Bangladesh

October 10, 2024 | Paris, France: On the occasion of World Day Against Death Penalty 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) firmly calls upon the present Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate for Peace, to abolish the death penalty in all its forms in Bangladesh.

JMBF believes that the death penalty is an irreversible and inhumane punishment that has no place in a just and civilized society. Our stance aligns with both national and international legal frameworks that prioritize human dignity, the right to life, and fairness. The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, particularly Article 32, guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, yet the death penalty stands in stark opposition to this fundamental right.

STATEMENT: International Lesbian Day 2024 – A Call for Justice and Equality in Bangladesh

Paris, France; October 08, 2024 – On the occasion of International Lesbian Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with lesbian women and the broader LGBTQ+ community, both in Bangladesh and worldwide. This day serves as a crucial reminder to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the struggles that persist, and renew our commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and safety for all lesbian individuals.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned About the Recent Rise in Mob Violence and Lynchings in Bangladesh

Paris, France | October 06, 2024:JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern and alarm over the sharp rise in mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the political upheaval triggered by the fleeing of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, and the subsequent establishment of an interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8, 2024.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Brutal Killing of Garment Worker by Law Enforcement Agencies in Dhaka

Paris, France; October 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and outrage over the brutal killing of Kausar Hossain Khan, a sewing operator for Mango Tex Limited, who was fatally shot by law enforcement agencies during a clash between garment workers and law enforcers in Savar’s Ashulia on September 30, 2024. This heartbreaking incident, which resulted in a tragic death and left several workers injured, represents a gross violation of human rights and underscores the ongoing injustices faced by workers in Bangladesh's garment industry, where their fundamental rights are often disregarded.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter : July-September 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am thrilled to share the latest issue of our quarterly eNewsletter, covering July to September 2024. At JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), we remain deeply committed to promoting equitable justice and driving meaningful change within our communities.

This edition highlights thought-provoking articles and impactful initiatives that reflect the progress we’ve made in advancing our mission. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our incredible team, partners, and supporters. Your unwavering commitment fuels our passion for justice and strengthens our efforts to build a fairer, more just world for everyone.

STATEMENT: JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Sectarian Violence and Targeting of Ethnic Minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Paris, France; September 22, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is appalled, deeply concerned, and outraged by the recent outbreak of brutal sectarian violence in the hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati in Bangladesh. This wave of violence has led to the tragic loss of lives, the forced displacement of hundreds of ethnic families, and the destruction of homes and places of worship. The killing of at least four ethnic minority men by Armymen, including Junan Chakma, Dhananjoy Chakma, and Rubel Tripura, and the arson attack on over 100 houses and businesses in Dighinala, Khagrachhari, represents a grave violation of human rights and human dignity.