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.

JMBF President Engages in Productive Dialogue with France's Ambassador for LGBT Rights, Fostering Progress in Bangladesh

 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.

বিএসএফ কর্তৃক তিন বাংলাদেশি হত্যার ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ উদ্বিগ্ন

গত দুই সপ্তাহে ভারতীয় সীমান্তরক্ষী বাহিনী (বিএসএফ) কর্তৃক গুলি করে তিন বাংলাদেশি নিরস্ত্র নাগরিক হত্যা ও একজন নাগরিককে আহত করার ঘটনায় মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদবেগ ও প্রতিবাদ জানাচ্ছে।

ভারত-বাংলাদেশ সীমান্তে বিএসএফের গুলি করে নিরস্ত্র বাংলাদেশি নাগরিকদের হত্যার ঘটনা মানবাধিকারের চরম লঙ্ঘন বলে ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জেএমবিএফ মনে করে। তাই ভবিষ্যতে দায়িত্ব পালনকালে কোনো ভাবেই বেসামরিক নাগরিকদের যেন ক্ষতি না হয় সেজন্য বিএসএফ সদস্যদের সর্বোচ্চ সতর্কতা অবলম্বনপূর্বক নির্বিচারে গুলি চালানো থেকে বিরত থাকার আহবান জানায় মানাবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠানটি।

JMBF is concerned about the detention of four homosexual girls

France JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and aggrieved about the recent detention of four lesbian girls in Manikganj and Natore districts by the homophobic public, respectively on March 09 and February 23, 2024, due to expressing their sexual orientation and willingness to get married.

The France-based rights organization, JMBF, considers their detention and handing over to the police by the homophobic public, due to the expression of same-sex relationships and willingness to get married, clear violations of their fundamental human rights and dignity.

JMBF urges the concerned authorities to take immediate action against those homophobic individuals involved in such heinous incidents of interfering with personal lives and privacy.

https://bangla-times.com/mbf-is-concerned-about-the-detention-of-four-homosexual-girls/

JMBF Strongly Condemns the Arrest of Two Lesbian Girls in Satkhira

Paris, France; March 12, 2024: The France-based rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and outrage over the recent arrest of two lesbian individuals from Satkhira on January 04, 2024. These arrests, which occurred solely based on the girls’ sexual orientation and their same-sex relationship, are a grave violation of their rights and dignity.

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.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Granted Formal Membership in Transgender Europe (TGEU)

In a significant development for the LGBTQI+ rights movement, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has officially become a member of Transgender Europe (TGEU), on 6th February 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the organization's commitment to advancing the rights and visibility of transgender individuals.

TGEU, a prominent organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of transgender and gender-diverse people across Europe and Central Asia, welcomed JMBF into its fold with great enthusiasm. The announcement was made following JMBF's expressed interest in joining TGEU, showcasing mutual dedication to amplifying transgender voices and addressing systemic inequalities.

As a newly inducted member, JMBF gains access to a host of benefits provided by TGEU. These include privileged information about events, campaigns, funding opportunities, and other pertinent resources through a dedicated members-only mailing list. Furthermore, JMBF will have access to capacity-building support in various crucial areas such as networking, fundraising, community organizing, advocacy, and burn-out prevention, strengthening its ability to effect positive change within the transgender community.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) Receives Membership in the Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality.

In a historic development, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a human rights organization based in France aiming to ensure the rights of LGBT people in Bangladesh, has been honored with membership in the prestigious Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality (ADUH) on 16th January 2024. This recognition marks a significant stride in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the decriminalization of homosexuality.

The Association for the Universal Decriminalization of Homosexuality is renowned for its unwavering commitment to advocating for the decriminalization of homosexuality, as well as establishing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and fostering inclusivity on an international scale. The inclusion of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) underscores the growing importance of collaboration between organizations across borders to achieve common goals in the realm of human rights.

JMBF Receives 1000 Euro Solidarity Donation from Solidarity International LGBT

 

Paris, France; 2nd January 2024: In a gesture of global solidarity, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) received a significant donation of 1000.00 (one thousand) Euros from Solidarity International LGBT (SIL), a France-based non-profit association. This generous contribution is earmarked for the procurement of computer equipment, pivotal for monitoring, documenting, and reporting human rights violations against the sexual minority in Bangladesh.

The funds will also fuel JMBF's efforts in conducting lobbying, campaigns, and advocacy work aimed at bringing perpetrators of violations to justice and advancing the cause of decriminalizing homosexuality in Bangladesh.

Expressing profound gratitude, Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a prominent human rights lawyer, extended heartfelt thanks to Mr. Robert Simon, President of SIL, and the entire SIL team on behalf of the JMBF family. He emphasized the critical role this donation plays in fortifying their commitment to safeguarding the rights of sexual minorities in Bangladesh.

জেএমবিএফ’’র বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবীদের বিরুদ্ধে সহিংসতার বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন প্রকাশ!

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স-আগস্ট ১০,২০২৩: জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ)সম্প্রতি ২০২২ সালে বাংলাদেশে আইনজীবীদের বিরুদ্ধে সংঘটিত সহিংসতার বেদনাদায়ক প্রবণতা সংক্রান্ত বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন প্রকাশ করেছে।

 উক্ত প্রতিবেদনে  ২০২২ সালের জানুয়ারি থেকে ডিসেম্বর মাস পর্যন্ত বাংলাদেশে আইনঅজীবীরা পেশাগত দায়িত্ব পালনে যে সকল সহিংসতা ও চ্যালেঞ্জের মুখোমুখি হয়েছে তাঁর একটি ভয়াবহ চিত্র তুলে ধরেছে এবং উক্ত উদ্বেগজনক পরিস্থিতি মোকাবেলায় জরুরি পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণের জন্য সংশ্লিষ্ট কর্তৃপক্ষের নিকট আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।

JMBF Publishes Comprehensive Annual Report on Violence Against Lawyers in Bangladesh for 2022

Paris, France, August 10, 2023:  A shocking and distressing trend of violence against lawyers in Bangladesh has been unveiled by the recently published comprehensive annual report by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). The report, covering the period from January to December 2022, paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by legal professionals in the country and calls for urgent action to address the alarming situation.

The report, published in Paris, France on August 10, 2023, is a groundbreaking endeavor that sheds light on the disconcerting incidents of violence targeting lawyers in Bangladesh. It is a meticulous documentation of incidents that includes physical attacks, assault, beatings, murder, rape, kidnappings, fabrication of cases, arrests, threats, intimidation, attempted murder, and judicial harassment.

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.

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.

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.

রাজধানীজুড়ে হিজড়াদের দাপট, টার্গেটে প্রবাসীরা

তিন বছর পর দেশে ফেরেন হাবিবুর রহমান। তিনি দুই দশক ধরে থাকেন সংযুক্ত আরব আমিরাতে। রবিবার দেশে আসার সময় পরিবারের সদস্যদের জন্য বিভিন্ন উপহার নিয়ে আসেন। স্বজনরাও হাবিবুর রহমানকে এগিয়ে নেওয়ার জন্য বিমানবন্দরে এসেছিলেন। ভাড়া করা মাইক্রোবাসে গ্রামের বাড়ির উদ্দেশে রওনা হতে টার্মিনাল থেকে বেরিয়ে আর্মড পুলিশ ব্যাটালিয়নের সামনে ইউটার্ন নিয়ে বনানীমুখী সড়কে গেলেই ওত পেতে থাকা হিজড়ারা তাদের জিম্মি করে ফেলে। তিন হিজড়ার দুজন গাড়ির জানালায় গিয়ে চাঁদা চায়। আর একজন সামনে নগ্ন হয়ে দাঁড়িয়ে গাড়ি থামিয়ে রাখে। ঘটনাটি যেখানে তার প্রায় ৫০ গজ দূরেই দাঁড়িয়ে সড়কে যানজট নিরসনে কাজ করছিলেন কয়েকজন পুলিশ সদস্য। তবু হিজড়াদের কবল থেকে রক্ষা করতে তারা কেউ এগিয়ে আসেননি। হাবিবুর রহমানের কাছে হিজড়ারা ১ হাজার টাকা চাঁদা দাবি করে। পরিবারের সবার সামনে তাদের অশ্লীল কথাবার্তার মুখে এক প্রকার বাধ্য হয়ে ৩০০ টাকা দিয়ে তাদের বিদায় করেন তিনি।

European attorneys seek protection for LGBTQ activist Bangladeshi lawyer

European lawyers are urging the prime minister of Bangladesh to protect a Bangladeshi attorney whose gay-rights activism has made him the target of death threats.

The president of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) wrote to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Oct. 19, seeking protection for attorney/activist Shahanur Islam.

In the letter, the CCBE “respectfully urges Your Excellency to do everything in your power to urgently provide adequate protection to lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family, since it is believed that this continuous acts of threats and harassment are based on his legitimate activities as a human rights lawyer.”

Bangladeshi activist Shahanur has received repeated death threats!

Desk report

Shahanur Islam, a prominent human rights lawyer and gay rights campaigner in Bangladesh received repeated death threats SMS over his mobile phone.

Shahanur told to Soja Kotha that recently on 25th August and 6th September 2022, he received separate two death threats messages along with his wife and kid over his mobile phone.

Terrorist attack on Bangladeshi Human Rights Activist Lawyer Shahanur Islam at Court

 On 26th of August 2020 around at 1:25 pm, Mr. Shahanur Islam, a human rights lawyer in Bangladesh was attacked by a group of politically-motivated terrorists at the court premises of Naogaon district in the northern part of Bangladesh.

Mr. Islam was taking part in the hearing against Md. Jahurul Islam, Member of District Parishad (district level highest local government unit), Naogaon alleging forgery of court document (forgery of signature of court issued summons) at the learned Judicial Magistrate Cognizance Court No. 05, Naogaon and the learned court ordered him to jail custody. The police then took him out from the court room.

As soon as Mr. Islam had left from the court room and reached the veranda, suddenly Md. Jahurul Islam attacked Mr. Islam. Some 10 to 12 terrorists, lead by Jobayer Hossain, son of Jahurul Islam, attacked Mr. Islam with the clear intention of killing or abducting him. Jobayer Hossain hit the head of Mr. Islam resulting in a serious injury under his left eye and the frontal side of his head. The others repeatedly beat Mr. Islam all over his body.  Some of the lawyers and lawyers clerks in the vicinity arrived at the scene and rescued Mr. Islam from the terrorists. 

Jahurul Islam

Observing the matter, the learned Judicial Magistrate Mr. Sohel Rana asked the court police to detain the terrorists.  Therefore the court police detained one terrorist, Jobayer Hossain, and sent him to jail custody.

Mr. Islam was then admitted to Naogaon Modern Sadar Hospital in the Emergency Department where he received primary treatment. Later he lodged a criminal complaint (FIR) with Naogaon Sadar Police Station, Case No. 53/20, GR no. 424/20(Naogaon) under 143/323/325/325 of the Penal Code. 

The UK based human rights organization Rights First International has expressed deep shock about the incident. In a statement, Advocate Shah Alam Faruk, Coordinator of the organization demanded a neutral investigation and that the attackers be prosecuted under the law.

Mr. Islam has previously received threats, death threats, physically assaults as well as been repeatedly implicated in false and fabricated cases due to his strong advocacy against social injustice and religious extremism as well as ensuring human rights, the rule of law, good governance and social justice.

The attack on Mr. Shahanur Islam is not an isolated incident in Bangladesh, rather killings, harassment, intimidation and physical attacks against lawyers are common phenomena in Bangladesh.