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.

Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns Conviction of Transgender Individuals in Dhaka, Demands Immediate Release

Paris, France; April 7, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly condemns the recent conviction and imprisonment of five individuals from the transgender/third gender/hijra community on charges of extortion and public disturbance at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, on April 6, 2024.

France-based Rights Organization JMBF believes that this action, aimed at the sexual minority transgender/hijra/third gender community, will exacerbate the marginalization of an already vulnerable group in society and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, failing to address the root causes of their alleged behavior and activities.

Statement:JMBF Strongly Condemns BSF Shootings Along Indo-Bangla Border, Demands Immediate Halt to Violence

Paris,France; April 05, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) strongly protests and expresses deep concern over the deaths of two Bangladeshi citizens and the injuries to five others in Chapainababganj, Lalmonirhat, and Jessore along the Indo-Bangla border in the last week. 

The France base human rights organisation demands an immediate halt to all firing at the Indo-Bangla border and calls for an independent joint international investigation to bring the alleged BSF perpetrators to justice.

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.

Statement: JMBF Condemns Brutal Murder of Transgender Reshma Khatun, Calls for Swift Action and Legal Reforms

Paris, France; April 03, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern over the brutal murder of Reshma Khatun (25), a third-gender individual, whose decomposed body was discovered in March 2024 in the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore, Bangladesh.

The France-based rights organization calls for the swift identification and apprehension of those responsible for this heinous act through a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation, followed by exemplary punishment after a fair trial.

According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, it has been learned that the police recovered the decomposed body of Reshma Khatun (25), a third gender individual, from the Kagajpukur graveyard of Benapole Port Police Station in Jessore.

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.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France Quarterly eNewsletter of (January-March 2024)

As we embark on a new year filled with hope and determination, I am thrilled to present the inaugural edition of our Quarterly Newsletter covering the period from January to March 2024. Within these pages, we capture the tireless efforts and remarkable achievements of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The beginning of 2024 has brought forth significant milestones for our organization. From advocating for the rights of marginalized communities to promoting social justice initiatives, JMBF has remained steadfast in its commitment to defending human rights and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.

STATEMENT: JMBF Condemns BSF Killings of Bangladeshi Civilians: Calls for Urgent International Action

Paris, France: March 27, 2024 - Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and vehement protest over the recent shooting deaths of three unarmed Bangladeshi citizens and the injuring of another by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) within the past two weeks.

The JMBF, a human rights organization based in France, strongly condemns these egregious acts of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians along the India-Bangladesh border. These incidents represent a blatant violation of human rights, and as such, demand immediate attention and action from the international community.

STATEMENT: JMBF is gravely concerned about the detention of four lesbian girls in Manikganj and Natore by the homophobic public.

Paris, France; March 20, 2024: 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.

According to reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh, on March 9, 2023, two lesbian women were detained by local residents in Singair, under the Manikganj district.

STATEMENT: 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.

According to reports from various online newspapers in Bangladesh, the two lesbian teenagers were apprehended from the Brajabaksa area of Helatla Union in Kalaroa Upazila on January 4, 2024, by the members of the Kalaroa Police Station. One of the arrested girls is Mahima Khatun (17), daughter of Abdul Mannan from Idanpur village in the Doara Bazar police station of Sunamganj district, and the other is Rubina Khatun (18), daughter of Anisur Rahman from Brajbaksa village in Helatla Union of Kalaroa Upazila in Satkhira.