Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the ‘police crackdown’ on a peaceful demonstration by teachers from various private colleges in Dhaka on October 17. In a statement, the France-based rights group expressed deep concern over the assault of 33 teachers, including 11 women, who were exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully. JMBF criticized the alleged use of batons, sound grenades, and water cannons by police against unarmed teachers, calling it a grave violation of Bangladeshi and international laws protecting human rights. Robert Simon, Chief Adviser of JMBF and a prominent French human rights activist, condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protests, particularly those involving educators with decades of service to society. “The teachers of Bangladesh deserve respect and the right to have their voices heard, not to be met with brutality and abuse,” he stated. The incident, which left 33 teachers injured, contradicts Article 37 of Bangladesh’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, and Article 33(5), which prohibits all forms of torture, the statement reads. JMBF slams indemnity for uprising violence in Bangladesh JMBF also noted that the police’s actions violate international agreements, including the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), specifically Article 20, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. Furthermore, it contravenes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 21, and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France, criticised the treatment of the teachers, who were protesting to secure Monthly Payment Order (MPO) membership and basic rights after years of unpaid service. JMBF called on the government of Bangladesh to initiate a judicial inquiry, led by a High Court division justice, to hold the responsible officers accountable for their actions. The group demanded a transparent investigation into the October 17 incident, ensuring justice and compensation for the injured teachers.  

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the recent murder of Ayub Ali, a 47-year-old transgender woman. The brutal killing happened on October 12 in Tangail, the France-based group said in a statement received here on Friday. Ayub Ali’s body, bearing signs of violence, was discovered the next morning in an abandoned house near the new bus stand area of Tangail. According to police, her body was found with a cloth tightly wrapped around her neck, suggesting she may have been strangled after a struggle. A murder case has been filed, and investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. Robert Simon, French LGBT rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, expressed his outrage, stating that the murder is not only an attack on Ayub Ali but highlights the persistent danger faced by transgender people in Bangladesh and globally. “This crime reflects the deep-rooted discrimination and violence that the transgender community continues to endure,” he said. Simon alsemphasizesed that Ayub Ali’s determination to overcome adversity exemplifies the urgent need for societal change, asserting that “no one should face such a fate simply for living their truth.” Originally from Bhavanipur Patuli in Tangail Sadar Upazila, Ayub Ali faced societal rejection and limited job opportunities due to her gender identity. Like many in her community, she initially earned a living by collecting money in markets and on public transportation. Seeking a more dignified means of livelihood, Ayub Ali started a small cloth business, selling fabrics in rural areas and participating in festival sales during Eid and Puja. She was also an active performer, joining dance groups and acting in traditional “Yatrapala” performances, where she took on female roles. Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France, condemned the murder as a violation of Ayub Ali’s fundamental right to live with dignity and safety. He urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure swift justice and address the systemic violence against the transgender community. “We stand in solidarity with Ayub Ali’s family and the transgender community in Bangladesh. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and the government must take concrete steps to protect the rights and lives of marginalized communities,” Islam said. In its statement, JMBF called on the Bangladeshi government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and take immediate steps to improve the safety and protection of transgender individuals. The organization stressed that Ayub Ali’s life story is a painful reminder of the prejudice and violence transgender individuals continue to face, but her resilience and pursuit of a better life remain an inspiration. Read more: JMBF condemns JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap event disruption JMBF reaffirmed its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and human rights, stating it will continue to work toward a world where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can live free from fear and violence.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organisation, has condemned Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Ministry for its recent announcement granting indemnity to people for the violent incidents during the July-August 2024 mass uprising in Bangladesh. This decision, which exempts those responsible for violence and disorder from facing legal consequences, represents a betrayal of the principles of justice and accountability, the JMBF said in a press statement. Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, expressed deep concerns, stating that granting blanket indemnity undermines the rule of law and sends a dangerous message that those engaging in violence or unlawful actions during such movements can evade accountability. "This sets a precedent that is incompatible with the core values of democracy and human rights." Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France and Founder President of JMBF, emphasised that while the right to protest is recognised, it does not include the use of violence, intimidation, or destruction. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that those who committed crimes during the uprising are held accountable, warning that the government's decision to not pursue legal action against any participants undermines the rights of victims and weakens the judiciary. JMBF condemns JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap event disruption The JMBF said that the July-August uprising, while rooted in legitimate grievances for democratic reform, was marred by violence, including attacks, looting, vandalism, and arson against public and private properties, as well as religious sites. Tragically, it also resulted in the deaths of law enforcement members and opposition political leaders and activists. While acknowledging the courage of peaceful advocates for change, JMBF stressed that justice must also be served for those harmed during the unrest. “This blanket amnesty risks denying justice to victims of property damage, threats, assaults and killings. The decision to drop charges without a comprehensive review of individual cases undermines the right of victims to seek redress and perpetuates a culture of impunity.” JMBF demands the following actions from the interim government: Conduct Thorough Investigations: Ensure each case is investigated thoroughly and impartially, distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those engaged in criminal behavior. Protect the Rights of Victims: Safeguard the rights of individuals who suffered losses during the uprising by addressing their grievances and ensuring justice is served. Ensure Transparency: Provide transparency in the process of granting indemnity and clarify the criteria used to determine which cases are dismissed. Strengthen the Rule of Law: Reaffirm the government’s commitment to the rule of law by ensuring that no one is above the law, including those who may have acted unlawfully during the uprising. JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands firmly with the people of Bangladesh in their quest for democracy, justice, and human rights. However, they state that they cannot support a path that sacrifices accountability and justice for political expediency. "We call upon the interim government to reconsider this decision and prioritise the long-term interests of a just and fair Bangladesh."

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has strongly condemned the ‘deliberate’ disruption of religious harmony at the JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap on Thursday (October 10). In a statement, the rights body says that six members of the Chattogram Cultural Academy, ‘linked to the Islamic fundamentalist party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’, infiltrated the Durga Puja celebration under false pretenses. After deceptively obtaining permission to perform patriotic songs, they ‘audaciously’ staged an Islamic musical performance in the middle of the dance show. JMBF demands the immediate arrest of those involved in this act and calls for exemplary punishment through a transparent legal process. The rights body insists that the perpetrators must face the full force of the law for ‘inciting division and undermining religious freedom’. 3 arrested for disrupting puja at Tantibazar with explosive  Robert Simon, prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said that this blatant act of disrespect during Durga Puja is not only an insult to Hindu beliefs but also an attack on the principles of religious tolerance. “Such actions during a significant religious festival for Bangladesh’s Hindu minority are utterly reprehensible and must not be tolerated in a society that values pluralism and peace.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, human rights lawyer and Founder-President of JMBF mentioned that this incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing religious minorities in Bangladesh. “We urge political and community leaders to condemn this attack on religious harmony and work towards fostering mutual respect and unity.” JMBF urges the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the minority Hindu community can conduct their religious activities without fear or interference. “It is the state’s responsibility to provide a safe environment where all citizens can worship freely.” Religious freedom is a cornerstone of any civilized society and any infringement upon it must be met with swift and decisive action. JMBF stands in solidarity with the Hindu community and all minorities in Bangladesh striving for their right to worship and live in peace.  

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has called upon Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus to abolish the death penalty in all its forms. The statement from the France-based rights group came on the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty 2024 being observed on Thursday. The statement asserts that the death penalty is an irreversible and inhumane punishment that has no place in a just and civilized society. This stance aligns with national and international legal frameworks that prioritise human dignity, the right to life, and fairness. Article 32 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, yet the death penalty contradicts this fundamental right, it noted. “While justice and accountability are essential, capital punishment is neither a deterrent to crime nor a path to true justice,” JMBF emphasised. “It disproportionately affects the marginalized, the underprivileged, and those who lack access to proper legal representation.” According to JMBF, over 2,000 individuals are currently on death row in Bangladesh. The organisation calls for an urgent reconsideration of the practice as part of the global movement toward abolition. From 2013 to 2023, Bangladesh carried out at least 30 executions, mostly in cases involving murder, terrorism, and war crimes related to the 1971 Liberation War. Read: France-based group speaks out on state of lesbian rights in Bangladesh JMBF expressed concern about the fairness of trials, with reports of coerced confessions, inadequate legal defense, and the use of torture, which undermine the credibility of the justice system and increase the risk of wrongful executions. JMBF pointed to flaws in Bangladesh’s justice system, such as overcrowded courts, prolonged detention without trial, and the lack of legal aid. In some cases, death sentences were handed down without proper representation or fair trials, violating fundamental rights. JMBF highlighted global studies showing that the death penalty does not deter crime, citing over 85 nations that have abolished it since 1976. Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “The death penalty is an irreversible punishment that reflects not justice, but the shortcomings of our legal system.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder president of JMBF, emphasised, “Our fight is not just for those on death row but for the integrity of our justice system and the future of human rights in Bangladesh. Abolishing the death penalty sends a clear message that justice should protect human dignity, not take human life.” Read more: France-based rights group voices concern over mob violence in Bangladesh

On the occasion of International Lesbian Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expressed its solidarity with lesbian women and the broader LGBTQ+ community, both in Bangladesh and worldwide. In a statement, JMBF emphasized that this day serves as a reminder to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the struggles that persist, and renew commitment to justice, equality, and safety for all lesbian individuals. In Bangladesh, the statement highlighted, lesbian women continue to face a combination of cultural stigma, legal challenges, and widespread violence. Despite global advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, the situation for lesbian women in Bangladesh remains deeply concerning. According to JMBF, five incidents of violence involving nine lesbian individuals were documented in 2023, underscoring the dangers they still face. The previous year, 2022, saw eight incidents of violence against 18 lesbian women, with acts ranging from physical assault to social and economic exclusion. These incidents often go unreported due to fear of reprisal, social isolation, and a lack of trust in the legal system, which regularly fails to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Robert Simon, a prominent French LGBTQI+ rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said, “The growing violence against lesbian women in Bangladesh reflects the urgent need for legal reform and societal change. Criminalizing same-sex relationships fuels hatred and empowers those who seek to harm vulnerable communities. We must act, globally and locally, to ensure that every person can live free from fear, no matter who they love.” Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists The legal framework in Bangladesh, specifically Section 377 of the Penal Code, still criminalizes same-sex relationships, fostering an environment of discrimination and fear. JMBF reiterated that violence and discrimination against lesbian women are not just attacks on individuals but on human dignity and fundamental rights. On this International Lesbian Day, JMBF called upon the government of Bangladesh, civil society, and international human rights organizations to take immediate action. Their recommendations include: • Repealing discriminatory laws like Section 377 that criminalize same-sex relationships. • Implementing policies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure justice for victims of violence. • Raising awareness through education to dismantle harmful stereotypes and social stigma surrounding lesbian women. • Strengthening support systems, including legal aid, mental health services, and safe spaces for lesbian women and the LGBTQ+ community at large. Shahanur Islam, Founder & President of JMBF, stated, “The legal and social landscape in Bangladesh leaves lesbian women particularly vulnerable to violence and persecution. Without reform and protection, these women will continue to face harassment, isolation, and fear. We at JMBF will not stop advocating for their rights until we see tangible change, and we call on all allies to stand with us in this fight.” Read more: Global community must hold Bangladesh accountable, protect rights of its citizens: JMBF JMBF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of lesbian individuals in Bangladesh. The organization vowed to continue amplifying their voices and fighting for a future where all lesbian women can live with dignity, free from fear, and fully recognized as equal citizens. “Together, let us strive for a world where love, in all its forms, is celebrated, and justice prevails for every person, regardless of their identity,” the statement concluded.