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.

International students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have been targeted by violent mobs in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The violence began on the night of May 17, after social media posts alleged that Kyrgyz youths had been beaten by foreign students. The mobs quickly mobilized, targeting specific areas in the city where international students reside. Pleas for Help from Bangladeshi Students Samia Kabir, a Bangladeshi student at the International School of Medicine in Bishkek, reached out to UNB in a state of distress. “We are here, five Bangladeshi girls. We are inside our apartment right now. Some people are gathering in front of our apartment. Please help us,” she pleaded on the evening of May 18. She further added, “We have been asked by the authorities to stay inside. We hear some noises from other apartments nearby…some Pakistanis are likely to be there.” Mustafa, another Bangladeshi student living in an area farther from the capital, commented on the overall situation, noting that the Bangladeshi student population in Kyrgyzstan exceeds 1,000. He mentioned that those outside Bishkek feel relatively safer, but the danger remains, especially in shared hostels where students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan live together. Read more: South Asian students, inc Bangladeshis, endure night of horrors in Kyrgyz capital Why Kyrgyzstan Attracts Foreign Students Kyrgyzstan has become a preferred destination for students from South Asia seeking quality medical education. According to the Migration Data Portal, in 2021, Kyrgyzstan hosted the highest number of international students among Central Asian countries, with a total of 61,418. The country’s appeal includes a low cost of living, access to subcontinental cuisine, a favorable student-teacher ratio, and no entrance fees, making it an attractive option for medical students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The Incident that Sparked the Violence The violence is believed to have been triggered by an incident of harassment involving female students from Egypt. A video showing a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, circulated widely on social media on May 13, led to public outrage. The fight was seen as a gross disrespect to the hospitality extended to foreign students. On the night of May 17, many Kyrgyz youths took to the streets, accusing officials of leniency towards the foreign students involved in the incident. Despite police efforts, which included the immediate detention of three students involved in the fight, the unrest escalated.