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.

Can we evade accountability for the death of transgender model Radia Teherin Utsha?

On Monday, April 22, 2024, Radia Teherin Utsha, a 19-year-old transgender model, tragically ended her life by jumping from the sixth-floor roof of Byatikram Mahila Hostel in Mirpur, Dhaka. Radia, a student in the honors first year at Mirpur Bangla College, took this drastic step.

The recent suicides of transgender individuals in Bangladesh, including Radia Tehrin Uthso who tragically took her own life, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for societal change. These heartbreaking losses highlight the profound challenges faced by transgender people in our country, challenges that demand immediate attention and decisive action from all sectors of society.

The young woman was seriously injured after leaping from the female hostel located at Mahua Manzil, Mirpur-10. Despite efforts to save her, Radia succumbed to her injuries at the emergency department of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital. It has been revealed that Radia had been concealing her transgender identity during her six-month stay at the hostel.

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.

JMBF President Raises Concerns Over Hate Speech and Misinformation to French President Macron

At the culmination of the historic constitutional sealing ceremony for the right to abortion on International Women’s Day, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), engaged in a brief yet significant discussion with President Emmanuel Macron of France. The conversation, held at the iconic Place Vendôme in Paris, underscored pressing concerns regarding hate speech and misinformation originating from Bangladeshi politicians, particularly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

Human Rights Lawyer Addresses LGBTQI+ Violence in Bangladesh at International Conference in Paris

In a stirring address at the International Conference on Persecution of LGBT+ people held at Gaîté Lyrique, Paris, Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi Human Rights lawyer and Founder President of JusticeMaker Bangladesh in France (JMBF), shed light on the harrowing reality faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in Bangladesh. 

The conference, jointly organized by esteemed organizations including the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH), ILGA World, Egides, Stop Homophobia, and LGBT International Solidarity on 6th February 2024, provided a platform for advocates and activists to discuss and address the global panorama of violence against the LGBTQI+ community.

Shahanur Islam's presentation delved into the findings of a media monitoring report on violence against LGBTQI+ people in Bangladesh throughout 2022, painting a stark picture of the challenges faced by this marginalized community. According to the report, a total of 204 LGBTQI+ individuals were subjected to significant violence across 51 incidents, ranging from killings and physical assaults to psychological abuse, attempted suicides, and various forms of harassment and extortion.

লিঙ্গভিত্তিক সহিংসতার শিকার নারী কি শরণার্থী মর্যাদা পেতে পারে?

 অ্যাডভোকেট শাহানূর ইসলাম

জেনেভা কনভেনশান অনুযায়ী কোন ব্যক্তি যদি তার জাতি,ধর্ম, নাগরিকতা, বিশেষ সম্প্রদায়, অথবা রাজনৈতিক বিশ্বাসের কারণে নিপীড়নের এমন আশঙ্কা করেন যা সুনির্দিষ্ট সাক্ষ্য –প্রমানের ভিত্তিতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত ; সেই নিপীড়নের আশংকার কারণে যদি সে যে দেশের নাগরিক তার বাইরে অবস্থান করে, এবং নিজ দেশে নিরপত্তা না পাওয়ায় আশংকা করে, অথবা উক্ত নিপীড়নের আশঙ্কার দরুন নিজ দেশের নিরপত্তা ব্যবস্থার উপর আস্থাহীন হয় এবং পূর্বে যে দেশে স্থায়ীভাবে বসবাস করছিল সেই দেশে ফিরতে পারছে না, অথবা উক্ত নিপীড়নের আশংকার দরুন সেই দেশে ফিরে যেতে অনিচ্ছুক হয় তবে উক্ত ব্যক্তিকে শরনার্থীর মর্যাদা প্রদান করা হয়|

এখন প্রশ্ন হল লিঙ্গভিত্তিক সহিংসতার শিকার নারীরা কি জেনেভা কনভেনশান অনুযায়ী শরণার্থী মর্যাদা পেতে পারে?

JMBF Participates in the Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In a world grappling with challenges to human rights, France hosted a pivotal conference at the iconic Palais de Chaillot in Paris on December 10, 2023, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The event, organized by the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Minister of Justice, aimed to rekindle dialogue, foster international cooperation, and reaffirm the timeless importance of the Declaration as a foundation for fundamental rights and liberties.

The conference, titled "75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Defending the Rights of Everyone, Everywhere," was concluded by a powerful speech from the President of the Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron. The gathering served as a platform to address contemporary challenges to human rights and underline the universal and indivisible nature of these rights.

The event comprised three insightful round table discussions, exploring crucial themes: supporting and protecting human rights defenders, the new frontiers for rights, and fighting impunity everywhere.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Founder President Advocates for LGBTI Rights at HELP International Conference

In a groundbreaking event organized by the Council of Europe's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGI) unit, the Help international course launch and conference on LGBTI persons in the asylum procedure took place on December 4, 2023, at the Council of Europe premises in Strasbourg, France. Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh (JMBF), was in attendance, emphasizing the organization's commitment to promoting justice and human rights for all.

The conference featured esteemed speakers such as Thorsten Afflerbach, Head of Division, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Programmes at the Council of Europe, Jeroen Schokkenbroek, Director of the Directorate of Anti-Discrimination, and Leyla Kayacik, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe for Migration and Refugees. Other notable participants included Andreas Wissner, UNHCR Representative to the European Institutions in Strasbourg, and Eva Pastrana, Head of the HELP Programme at the Council of Europe.

French-Bengali Attorney Joins Hands with JMBF to Provide Pro Bono Legal Support

Paris, September 28, 2023: In a significant development towards the promotion of human rights and justice, prominent French-Bengali attorney Chitro Shahabuddin Maître, a member of the Paris Bar, has agreed to offer her legal expertise pro bono to Bangladeshi citizens residing in France through her collaboration with JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The partnership was formalized during a meeting held on September 26, 2023, at the prestigious 9, Rue du Val de Grâce, 75005 PARIS, where Advocate Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, and Maître Chitro Shahabuddin discussed their shared commitment to providing legal support to those in need. Moynuddin Khan, Treasurer of JMBF, also participated in this significant meeting.

Maître Chitro Shahabuddin brings a wealth of legal experience and a strong commitment to human rights to this partnership. She is a graduate of the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and has a remarkable track record of collaborating with various associations dedicated to women's rights, supporting migrants, combating human trafficking, and advocating for access to shelter and decent living conditions. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of human rights, she was honored with the prestigious Simone Goldsmith prize from the Paris Bar in 2022.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh Activities Spotlighted in UK Home Office Report on LGBTQ+ Rights in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi prominent human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam's blog post on LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh has been highlighted in the "Country Policy and Information Note: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Bangladesh," published by the UK Home Office's Visa and Immigration department on September 5, 2023. Shahanur's article, titled "How can society promote equality and respect for LGBTQI+ rights in Bangladesh?" was one of the most highlighted pieces in the report.

Additionally, JusticeMakers Bangladesh, a prominent nonprofit organization, founded by Shahanur Islam, dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in Bangladesh, has received international recognition for its tireless efforts. In a recent report published by the Visa and Immigration department under the UK Home Office, JusticeMakers Bangladesh's activities and a notable blog post of Shahanur Islam have been prominently featured. 

Lawyers for Lawyers Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Shahanur Islam and Human Rights Defenders

 Lawyers for Lawyers, an international organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and security of legal professionals, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing harassment faced by prominent Bangladeshi lawyer and human rights defender, Shahanur Islam. This harassment, which has escalated recently, is believed to be a direct consequence of Mr. Islam's dedicated work in defending the rights of ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

Shahanur Islam, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate, has been a steadfast champion for the marginalized communities of Bangladesh since 2008. His work has included offering legal counsel and representation to victims of torture, extrajudicial killings, indigenous peoples, child marriage survivors, victims of domestic abuse, and sexual minorities.

UN Special Rapporteur Expresses Concern over the situation of Bangladeshi Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam

United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders took to social media to voice his concerns about the distressing situation faced by human rights lawyer and defender Shahanur Islam in Bangladesh. On 13th July 2023, the Special Rapporteur's status, posted on both Facebook and Twitter, highlighted the online harassment faced by Islam as a form of retaliation for his dedicated work in advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in the country. Moreover, it was revealed that the local police had made attempts to gather information about Islam and his family.

European Lawyers Demand Protection for Bangladeshi Lawyer Shahanur Islam from Continuous Threats and Harassment

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), representing the bars and law societies of 46 countries and over 1 million European lawyers, has taken a firm stance against the continuous threats and harassment faced by lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family in Bangladesh. On July 7, 2023, the CCBE sent a letter to the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, addressing the grave concerns surrounding the safety of Shahanur Islam.

European Legal Council Urges Bangladesh Prime Minister to Protect Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), representing more than a million lawyers across 46 European countries, has issued an urgent plea to Her Excellency, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. In a letter dated July 7, 2023, CCBE expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family.

Shahanur Islam is a well-respected figure in the legal and human rights community, known for his unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized groups, including ethnic, religious, political, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. His work spans a wide range of issues, including the defense of LGBTQI+ rights and representation of individuals subjected to torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.

Facebook Group Calls for Ban of Human Rights Activist and Lawyer Shahanur Islam, Alleging Promoting Homosexuality in Bangladesh

A Facebook user named "Mon Dey" has called for the ban of human rights activist and lawyer Shahanur Islam in Bangladesh, alleging that he is implementing a Western agenda to establish and legitimize the homosexual agenda in the country.

At the same time, he urges the necessary steps to ban Justice Makers Bangladesh, an organization founded by Shahanur Islam.

Shahanur Islam Presents Critical Analysis of Violence Against LGBT People at International Symposium in England

 Shahanur Islam, a prominent human rights lawyer from Bangladesh, delivered a compelling presentation at the "Safer-to-Be-Me" International Symposium held at Sunderland University in England. The symposium, jointly organized on June 22 by the international human rights organization Report Out International and the University of Sunderland, aimed to address the pressing issue of violence against LGBT people.

The event brought together a diverse group of experts and scholars to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBT community and explore potential solutions. Participants included Sarah Ellis, a senior lecturer at Sunderland University, Simon Fox, a public health specialist, Gabrielle Gucci and Damien Berger, gender and sexual minority specialists, Sarah Connolly, a social science lecturer at Sunderland University, Matthew Waits, a reader at the University of Glasgow, Dr. Felicity Daly, a visiting research fellow at the University of London, and Philip R. Crehan.

জেনেভায় মানবাধিকার সংলাপে বাংলাদেশী আইনজীবীর অংশগ্রহণ

জাতিসংঘ মানবাধিকার হাইকমিশন কার্যালয়ে অনুষ্ঠিত মানবাধিকার বিষয়ক সংলাপে বাংলাদেশি মানবাধিকার আইনজীবী শাহানূর ইসলাম অংশগ্রহণ করেন।

৯ জুন (শুক্রবার) সুইজারল্যাণ্ডের জেনেভায় অবস্থিত জাতিসংঘ মানবাধিকার হাই কমিশনের সদর দপ্তর উইলসন প্যালেসে তিন ঘন্টাব্যাপী সংলাপটি অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।

Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Holds Meeting with European Council Human Rights Commissioner in Strasbourg

Advocate Shahanur Islam, a prominent Bangladeshi human rights activist, recently engaged in a productive meeting with Madam Dunja Mijatovic, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the European Council. The multilateral discussion took place today at the European Council building in Strasbourg, France.

During the meeting, Madam Dunja Mijatovic provided a comprehensive overview of the activities conducted by the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the European Council. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange insights and strategies related to the promotion and protection of human rights globally.

ফ্রান্সে বসবাসত বাংলাদেশী রাজনৈতিক আশ্রয়প্রার্থী ও শরনার্থীদের সার্বিক উন্নয়নে কাজ করতে আগ্রহী ফ্রান্স –তেরে-এজাইল।

 শরনার্থীদের অধিকার নিয়ে কাজ করা ফ্রান্সের অন্যতম বৃহৎ অলাভজনক সংস্থা ফ্রান্স –তেরে-এজাইল (এফটিএ) এবং প্রস্তাবিত মানবাধিকার সংগঠন জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) ফ্রান্সে বসবাসরত বাংলাদেশী রাজনৈতিক আশ্রয়প্রার্থী ও শরনার্থীদের অধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠা ও জীবন মান উন্নয়নে একযোগে কাজ করতে সম্মত হয়েছে।

Shahanur Islam addresses European lawyers on current human rights situation in Bangladesh

ব্রাসেলস এ বাংলাদেশের মানবাধিকার পরিস্থিতি পর্যালোচনা সভায় প্রধান বক্তা হিসেবে শাহানূর ইসলামের অংশগ্রহণ!

On May 11 (Thursday), a discussion meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium with the participation of European human rights lawyers to review the current human rights situation in Bangladesh.

গত ১১ মে (বৃহস্পতিবার) বাংলাদেশের বর্তমান মানবাধিকার পরিস্থিতি পর্যালোচনায় ইউরোপীয় মানবাধিকার আইনজীবীদের অংশগ্রহনে এক আলোচনা সভা অনুষ্ঠিত হয়।