Rights group JMBF demands release of cultural figures, writers, journalists and lawyers
The France-based human rights organization, Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has voiced deep concern over the arrests of prominent Bangladeshi cultural activist Asaduzzaman Noor, writer and researcher Shahriar Kabir, Supreme Court lawyers Nurul Islam Sujan and Mahbub Ali, as well as journalists Mozammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta.
In a press statement, JMBF called for the immediate and unconditional release of these cultural figures, writers, journalists, and lawyers, and urged the withdrawal of what it described as “baseless charges” against them.
JMBF highlighted that the arrests, which appear to be driven by political differences, violate fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh and international treaties, including the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, condemned the arbitrary arrests, calling them a severe violation of human rights. “These individuals have been targeted solely for their differing political views, which clearly breaches the principles enshrined in the Bangladeshi Constitution and international human rights treaties,” Simon said.
JMBF warned that the persecution of these individuals under “false charges” not only threatens their personal rights but also endangers freedom of expression, political opinion, and democracy in Bangladesh.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, emphasized the need for justice and accountability. “As defenders of human rights, we stand united in our demand for justice. The Bangladeshi government must respect the rights of its citizens, refrain from suppressing dissent through unlawful detentions, and ensure an impartial investigation into these incidents,” he said, adding that the international community must not remain silent in the face of such injustice.
JMBF also urged the United Nations, European Union, and other international human rights organizations to intervene, seeking legal redress for the detained individuals and ensuring a transparent investigation into their arrests.
