JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and profound outrage over recent reports of severe human rights violations in Bangladesh.
These include brutal violence, suppression of fundamental rights, and the targeting of Awami League leaders and activists, said the JMBF, an independent human rights organization registered in France, in a statement.
Robert Simon, Chief Adviser of JMBF, condemned the attacks, stating, "The use of violence to suppress peaceful assembly and freedom of expression is a direct violation of basic human rights. The international community must condemn this violence and support the interim government to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for the victims."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, added, "The right to honor national figures and to peacefully assemble is fundamental in any democracy. We demand that the interim government in Bangladesh uphold these rights and prosecute those who have committed these brutal acts to the fullest extent of the law."
“JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France stands in solidarity with the victims and their families. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.”
The attacks on peaceful individuals attempting to pay respects at the residence of the Founding Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on the 49th anniversary of his assassination, August 15, 2024, are egregious violations of basic human rights.
According to reports published in several newspapers in Bangladesh on August 16, 2024, JMBF has learned that over 100 Awami League leaders and activists were hospitalized after being violently assaulted by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in the Dhanmondi Road No. 32 area, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
These individuals were attacked while trying to honor the memory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family, who were assassinated on this date in 1975, according to the statement issued from Paris.
The victims were allegedly beaten with sticks and pipes by protesters from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who aggressively prevented anyone from gathering in front of the house on August 15, 2024.
Those attempting to bring flowers or identify themselves as Awami League members were forcibly removed and reportedly beaten.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement occupied the area from midnight on August 14, 2024. Hundreds of protesters blocked access to the site early in the morning, carrying sticks and chasing anyone wearing black clothes or badges. They also checked the mobile phones of those they suspected.
National Film Award-winning actress Rokeya Prachi and others were attacked at the Bangabandhu Museum on August 14, 2024, while lighting candles on the eve of August 15. She was severely beaten, and those who tried to protect her were also injured.
Kader Siddique Bir Uttam, president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, was similarly attacked when he attempted to pay his respects. Stones were thrown at his car, and it was vandalized on August 15.
Media personnel were harassed, barred from recording, and forced to delete photos. Announcements over loudspeakers warned, "Do not take photos or videos. Those inside buildings looking down, do not take out your phones."
JMBF believes these actions, including the forcible removal of individuals and prevention of honoring the nation’s founding father, are blatant assaults on fundamental freedoms guaranteed by both national and international law.
The indiscriminate beating of citizens, harassment of media personnel, and obstruction of peaceful assembly are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, said the rights body.
JMBF demanded immediate and thorough investigations into these atrocities. Those responsible must be brought to justice through fair and transparent trials under United Nations supervision to ensure accountability and adherence to international human rights standards, said the statement.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to these atrocities, and urgent intervention is needed to protect the rights and dignity of the Bangladeshi people, it said.