STATEMENT: JMBF Urges Reconsideration of Removal Decision of "Sharifa's Tale" from Bangladeshi Textbooks

 Paris, France; July 03, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent decision by the Education Ministry of Bangladesh to remove "Sharifa's Tale" from the History and Social Science textbook for seventh-grade students.

JMBF urges the Bangladesh government, particularly the Education Ministry and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), to reconsider this decision and call for a revision of the narrative to address any identified inconsistencies while preserving the essence of the story.

JMBF Quarterly eNewsletter: April-June 2024

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly eNewsletter, covering the period from April to June 2024. At JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), we are committed to promoting equitable justice and driving positive change within our communities.

In this issue, we are excited to share with you insightful articles and impactful initiatives that showcase the progress we have made in advancing our cause. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our dedicated team members, partners, and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible.

We are honoured to have you on this journey with us, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.​ To read the full eNewsletter in PDF format, please visit here.

Thank you for your continued support.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Urges Immediate Release of Arrested Two Homosexual Youths in Chuadanga

Paris, France; June 28, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned over the recent arrest of two homosexual youths, Enayet Ullah and Sabuj Hossain, on charges of same-sex marriage by the Jibannagar police in Chuadanga on June 22, 2024. The France-based rights organization demands the immediate release of both youths, the dropping of all charges against them, and calls for steps to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, JMBF has learned that on June 22, 2024, Saturday, at 12:30 pm, Enayet Ullah (25) and Sabuj Hossain (24) were arrested by the Jibannagar police on charges of same-sex marriage from Hariharnagar in the border union of Jibannagar upazila, Chuadanga. Enayet Ullah is the son of Abdul Majid of Harihannagar village, and Sabuj Hossain is the son of Alauddin of Kushadanga village of Swaruppur union in the neighboring Maheshpur upazila under Jhenaidah district.

JMBF Publishes Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023

 Paris, France, June 26, 2024 : JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has published the Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023 today, coinciding with the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. This meticulously documented report highlights 148 incidents of torture, extrajudicial killings, and inhumane treatment and degrading behavior in Bangladesh by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) throughout 2023. Based on continuous monitoring of online news media published from Bangladesh and abroad, this report reveals a disturbing trend of human rights violations by LEAs, impacting a total of 1,842 individuals.

You can read and download the full summary report visit by JMBF Annual State of Torture and Extra-Judicial Killing in Bangladesh 2023 

JMBF Founder Shahanur Presents Paper on LGBTQI+ Challenges in Bangladesh in Vienna, Austria

Advocate Shahanur Islam, the founder of the Justice Makers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF), presented a pivotal paper titled "Mapping LGBTQI+ Challenges in Bangladesh: A Media Analysis 2023" at the 6th World Conference on Social Sciences Studies (#3SCONF). The conference, held from June 20-22, 2024, in Vienna, Austria, brought together leading scholars, activists, and practitioners to discuss pressing social science issues.

Islam’s presentation highlighted the systematic monitoring and analysis of media portrayals and coverage of LGBTQI+ issues in Bangladesh throughout 2023. The paper underscored the significant challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community in a socio-political landscape marked by conservative attitudes and legal constraints.

JMBF Founder Shahanur Islam Speaks at Geneva Event on Gender, Justice, and Refugee Law

 Advocate Shahanur Islam, the founder and president of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), delivered a compelling speech today at the 2024 NGO Consultations Side Event titled "Gender, Justice, and the Law: Legal and Practical Challenges for Refugees," held at the Geneva International Conference Centre on 10 June 2024. The event focused on the critical issue of access to legal services for women, girls, and LGBTQI+ refugees.

This side event was organized by PILnet, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), St. Andrews Refugee Service (StARS), and members of the legal community. It aimed to share knowledge and best practices on addressing the legal and practical challenges faced by refugees, particularly in the context of gender justice.

INDIA-BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns Killing of Bangladeshi Citizen by Indian Border Security Force at Kumilla

Paris, France: June 11, 2024 - Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses profound concern and vehemently protests the killing of Bangladeshi citizen Anowar Hossain at the Jamtla Indian border area of Burichong upazila in Comilla on Sunday, June 9, 2024, by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

JMBF strongly condemns this egregious act of violence against an unarmed civilian along the India-Bangladesh border, which represents a blatant violation of human rights. JMBF demands immediate attention and action from the both India and Bangladesh government to provide exemplary punishment to the perpetrators involved in such gross human rights violations.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned Over the Vandalism of Lalon Akhra in Kushtia!

Paris, France:The France-based human rights organization, Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has expressed deep outrage and concern over the incident of the destruction of the Akhra of Baul Nishan Ali in Mirpur, Kushtia, on the night of June 7, 2024. The human rights organization has called for the immediate identification and exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.

URGENT APPEAL: Request for Prompt Action on Alleged Police Torture in Barisal

Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, M.P.

Honorable Minister

Ministry of Home Affairs

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka-1000

Email: minister@mha.gov.bd

Greetings from the human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)!

Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), established on the principles of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (Bill of Rights), has been continuously dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights since its inception. It is the constitutional sacred duty of the state to uphold the fundamental rights, including human rights, of every citizen of Bangladesh.

URGENT APPEAL: Seeking Urgent Intervention Regarding Police Torture in Jhikargacha Upazila, Jessore

To,

Mr. Asaduzzaman Khan, M.P. 

Honorable Minister 

Ministry of Home Affairs 

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh 

Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka-1000. 

Email: minister@mha.gov.bd 

Dear Sir,

Warm greetings from JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)!

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBAF), founded on the ideals of the United Nations Human Rights Charter (Bill of Rights), has been continuously engaged in the protection and promotion of human rights since its inception. It is the constitutional duty of the state to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen of Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH-INDIA: JMBF Unveils Annual State of Indo-Bangla Border Violence 2023

Paris, France – June 01, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today released the comprehensive report on the annual state of violence along the Indo-Bangladesh border for the year 2023.  The report documents 55 violent incidents that have resulted in 66 victims, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions to address this persistent issue from January to December 2023. The incidents have led to fatalities, injuries, and detainments, affecting numerous individuals and communities across the border.

To read the full report in PDF, please visit: Annual State of Indo-Bangla Border Violence 2023

The report reveals a troubling pattern of violence, with the majority of incidents being perpetrated against males, resulting in 64 male victims from 53 incidents, while females were targeted in two incidents, leading to two female victims. Despite the lower number of incidents involving females, the violence they experienced was equally severe. 

BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns the Death of Suraiya Khatun in RAB Custody Allegedly Due to Torture

Paris, France; May 26, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Suraiya Khatun, a 45-year-old woman in the custody of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) allegedly due to torture on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Bhairab, Kishoreganj.

JMBF calls for exemplary punishment for those responsible, in a fair trial according to the Torture and Death in Custody (Prevention) Act 2013, by forming a judicial committee to investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators free from any interference by RAB or other law enforcement agencies involved in the incident.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Groundbreaking Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023

Paris, France - May 17, 2024 - JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) proudly announces the release of the "Annual Report on the State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2023," coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQI+ rights and underscores the importance of collective action in combating discrimination and prejudice.

This report, following the groundbreaking inaugural edition in 2022, represents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and advancements in LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh. It acknowledges that the documented incidents may not fully represent the actual number and types of abuses against LGBT individuals in Bangladesh, as many incidents go unreported due to social stigma and unacceptability.

Compiled by JMBF through rigorous monitoring of news media and analysis, the report covers developments in LGBTQI+ rights from January to December 2023. It provides a detailed examination of the legal, social, and cultural landscape impacting LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.

Bangladesh: JMBF and SIL Express Strong Concern Over the Recent Arrest of Two Lesbian Individuals in Tangail

 Paris, France; April 30, 2024: France-based rights organizations JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) jointly express profound concern and outrage over the recent arrest of two lesbian individuals from Tangail, Bangladesh, on April 21, 2024, due to their sexual orientation and same-sex relationship.

JMBF and SIL believe the arrest of the two lesbian women, who wished to marry, is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights and dignity as declared in the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

প্রেস বিবৃতি: ফরিদপুরে সাম্প্রদায়িক হামলায় দুই নির্মান শ্রমিক নিহতের ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ গভীর ভাবে উদ্বিগ্ন!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স, ২০ এপ্রিল ২০২৪- গত ১৮ এপ্রিল ২০২৪ তারিখ বৃহষ্পতিবার দিবাগত রাতে ফরিদপুরের মঘুখালীতে মন্দিরে আগুন দেয়ার সন্দেহে হিন্দু ধর্মাম্বলী স্থানীয় জনগণের পিটুনিতে ইসলাম ধর্মাম্বলী দুই নির্মান শ্রমিকের মৃর্ত্যু এবং অন্তত সাতজন আহত হওয়ার ঘটনায় জাস্টিস মেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছে। 

উক্ত ঘটনায় অবিলম্বে বাংলাদেশ সুপ্রীম কোর্টের হাইকোর্ট বিভাগের বিজ্ঞ বিচারপতিকে প্রধান করে বিচার বিভাগীয় তদন্ত কমিটির মাধ্যমে সমগ্র বিষয়টি দ্রুত ও নিরপেক্ষে তদন্তপূর্বক দায়ী ব্যক্তিদের চিহ্নিত ও গ্রেফতারপূর্বক প্রচলিত আইনে স্বচ্ছ ও প্রকাশ্য বিচারে দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি প্রদানের আহবান জানিয়েছে ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ।

JMBF Granted Membership to International Observatory on Participatory Democracy

 Today, on April 19, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has achieved a significant milestone by officially becoming a member of the International Observatory on Participatory Democracy (IOPD) network. The announcement, delivered by the IOPD Steering Committee, marks a pivotal moment for the organization, highlighting its dedication to advancing democratic principles globally.

The approval of JMBF's membership underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting participatory democracy and fostering citizen engagement, both in Bangladesh and beyond. Under the leadership of Advocate Shahanur Islam, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering communities and amplifying the voices of marginalized groups, with a particular focus on advocating for the rights of the LGBT community.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Granted Membership to Association for Women's Rights in Development

On April 13, 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) was granted membership to the Association for Women's Rights in Development (AWID). This exciting development underscores JMBF's commitment to advancing gender equality and women's rights both locally and globally.

The news of JMBF's membership was met with great enthusiasm by the organization's members and supporters. "We are thrilled to have become members of AWID and to join forces with such a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting women's rights and gender justice," said Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France.

JMBF and SIL Join Forces at Salon De Association LGBT+ in Paris, France

 JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) and Solidarity International LGBTQI (SIL) recently collaborated to participate in the Salon De Association LGBT+ organized by the Inter LGBT in Paris, France, on April 7 and 8, 2024.

Representatives including Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, Robert Simon, President of SIL, WHITNEY ANTHONY, and Hervé CALDO, Board member of SIL, were present at the event on behalf of their respective organizations amongst others.

The highlight of their joint participation was the establishment of an information booth, where JMBF and SIL showcased an array of educational materials, informational resources, and communication tools. This booth served as a hub for engaging with attendees, disseminating crucial information, and fostering dialogue on LGBTQI rights, activism, and advocacy efforts.

JMBF Secures Grant to Publish Groundbreaking LGBTQI+ Rights Report in Bangladesh 2022

 In a significant stride towards amplifying LGBTQI+ rights advocacy, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has been awarded a grant from the Embassy of France in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The grant, received on April 1, 2024, is earmarked for the publication of the "Annual State of LGBTQI+ Rights in Bangladesh 2022" report.

This collaborative effort between JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBD) and JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) signifies a landmark initiative in documenting and addressing violations against LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. The report is poised to provide an exhaustive analysis of the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community, encompassing legal, social, and cultural dimensions throughout the year 2022.

Subject: Clarification Regarding Application Status for Summer School on EU Law and Policy Dear Nicole Bosmans, I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for acknowledging my application for the Summer School on European Union Law and Policy on Immigration and Asylum. I appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification regarding my chosen status as "Other Status" in the application form. As a refugee from Bangladesh currently residing in France, I opted for this category to accurately reflect my unique circumstances. While I do not fall directly under the traditional categories listed in the application form, I believe that my background and experiences offer a valuable perspective on immigration and asylum issues, particularly within the context of EU law and policy. Considering my circumstances as a citizen of a developing country and a refugee living in France, I am respectfully requesting your assistance in securing a full scholarship to cover all expenses related to attending the summer school. This would include travel, accommodation, meals, and any other incidental costs associated with participation. I am eager to engage in discussions, learn from esteemed experts, and contribute to the dialogue on these critical topics during the summer school. Please let me know if any further information or documentation is required to support my application. Thank you once again for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the summer school. Sincerely yours, M. Shahanur Islam

 In a significant move towards advancing SOGIE rights in Bangladesh, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBD) Founder President, Advocate Shahanur Islam, engaged in a fruitful dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT, Jean Marc Berthon, on April 2, 2024, at the ambassador's office.

Advocate Shahanur initiated the dialogue by shedding light on the current state of sexual minority rights in Bangladesh, particularly addressing prevalent misinformation campaigns targeting transgender individuals. One focal point of discussion was the concerning issue of transgender inclusion in school textbooks in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgent need for accurate representation and education on transgender issues.