JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed grave concern over mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the recent political upheaval. JMBF has urgently called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take immediate and decisive action to stop all forms of mob violence and lynchings, according to an statement received here on Monday. The non-profit organisation also has demanded a thorough investigation into these gross human rights violations, led by judicial officials from the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. A transparent tribunal must be established to ensure that those responsible—both directly and indirectly—are held accountable and face appropriate punishment to uphold justice, it said. Reports from various news outlets, citing the Manabadhikar Songskriti Foundation, have highlighted a disturbing surge in mob attacks following the political transition. In August and September alone, 53 incidents were reported, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 44 people. The month of September 2024 witnessed 33 mob attacks, leading to 24 deaths and 22 serious injuries. Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser to JMBF, said, “This outbreak of lawlessness is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and justice principles. Mob lynchings, driven by frustration and a breakdown of law and order, pose a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, said, “The rising tide of mob justice in Bangladesh is a direct consequence of a failing system. No society can claim to be just or humane if it allows mob violence to replace due process and the rule of law. We call on the interim government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.” JMBF insists that the recent surge in mob lynchings in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal institutions and promote respect for human rights. Violence and lawlessness have no place in a civil society. The interim government must safeguard the rule of law. JMBF stands in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks and demands immediate justice and accountability for those responsible. Read more:  Global community must hold Bangladesh accountable, protect rights of its citizens: JMBF JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to advocate for victims’ rights, hold governments accountable, and work toward a Bangladesh where justice is delivered through legal institutions, not violence.

Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) on Monday expressed deep concern over the death of a man in hospital on June 16, after Detective Branch (DB) of police picked him up on June 6. Alal Dewan, 50, died at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases on Friday. MSF also demanded fair investigation into the death and legal action against those involved in the incident. Also Read: Take immediate action against journalist Rabbani's killers: Sultana Kamal-led MSF According to reports, a 33-year-old woman named Fatema Akter was killed in the capital's Baunia area on June 5. Later, a case was filed against Fatema's husband over the murder. Alal was the caretaker of the building where Fatema was killed. Alal’s family members alleged that DB men picked him up for interrogation on June 6. Also Read: MSF demands probe into death of under-trial prisoner at Kurigram hospital On June 15 (Thursday), hospital authorities informed the family that Alal was admitted to the hospital. When they went to the hospital, they told Alal’s family to go to the court on Sunday, family members said. On June 16, Anwar, sub-inspector of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station, phoned Alal's family members and said that Alal “died of heart attack.” Also Read: HC grants 2 more months for probe into Jasmine’s death in RAB Custody Family members alleged that Alal was tortured to death in police custody.      

Those who spread confusion and misinformation do not like that Bangladesh is prospering, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud. He made the remark during an exchange of views with journalists on current issues at his residence in Chattogram city on Friday (March 31, 2023) afternoon. Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Awami League, said that as the country continues to progress, the prosperity and wealth of every citizen also increases. He alleged some newspapers intentionally publish negative news: “Many individuals do not like the economic prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, some newspapers intentionally publish negative reports, while identified foreign individuals spread misinformation against Bangladesh." Read More: BBC film on India's PM Modi, 2002 riots draws government ire Despite these efforts, Bangladesh remains indomitable, he said. The information minister also criticized 12 countries, including the USA, that issued a statement on the arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams, stating that it was tantamount to “interference in the country's internal affairs.” He highlighted the contrast between the response to this incident in Bangladesh and the “lack of concern” expressed by countries when the BBC office in India was searched. He reminded diplomats of the Vienna Convention that sets the rules and limits on their conduct while stationed abroad and asserted that the government would continue to ensure freedom of media. Read More: Indian officials search BBC offices for second straight day Mahmud also criticized the opposition party for going to foreign diplomats and requesting “intervention” instead of engaging with the people of the country. He stated that it was "anti-national and involved a conspiracy against the country" to meddle in internal affairs. Hasan Mahmud referred to a recent report by Bloomberg, a renowned US media organization, that praised the economic prosperity achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ability to maintain economic stability even during the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. According to the report, there is a possibility of Sheikh Hasina winning the next election and serving a fourth term as prime minister. Mahmud also shared statistics demonstrating Bangladesh's economic growth and stability under the current government. Read More: Indian officials probe BBC for 3rd day, alleging tax dodge He stated that the percentage of people living below the poverty line stands at 16% despite the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. Additionally, Bangladesh's per capita income has surpassed that of India during the pandemic, and the country has risen from the 60th to the 35th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, he added. The Acting President of Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League, Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, former Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, North District President MA Salam, South District Acting President Motaherul Islam, and other party leaders were present at the event. read More: Tax officials search BBC's Delhi offices weeks after Modi documentary

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet did not raise any concern regarding the human rights situation but both sides discussed a number of issues. He said the issues included Digital Security Act (DSA), writer late Mustaq Ahmed who was arrested under the DSA and died later; training of personnel of the law enforcement agencies on HR aspects, freedom of press and freedom of speech; and the overall rights issues. The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highly values human rights issues as she is also the victim of human rights violations, minister Huq told reporters after his meeting with Bachelet at State guesthouse Padma on Sunday afternoon. “I strongly upheld it (to UN rights chief),” said the minister, adding that Bangladesh always, specially the government of Sheikh Hasina, upholds human rights and works on how its violations can be stopped by enforcing laws. “Bangladesh will always remain active.” Asked whether the UN rights chief voiced any concerns, minister Huq said, “No, there were no concerns but discussions.” Read: UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet in city He said they had discussions on many issues and he reiterated those issues on the DSA in the meeting which he already shared with the media here in the past months. Huq said there are ongoing discussions with her office on the best practices of DSA and he received a report in this regard. He said they take a decision on further steps he goes through the report. The Law minister said the UN rights chief asked about Mustaq Ahmed but she did not raise further questions once the Minister read out Mustaq’s post mortem report. He said they laid emphasis on training for the personnel of the law enforcement agencies on HR issues.