Human rights group flags escalating abuses in Bangladesh during EU meeting

A delegation from Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) met with officials at the European Commission in Brussels to report escalating human rights abuses in Bangladesh following the change of government in August 2024.

Led by founder Shahanur Islam, the delegation presented a briefing note and six thematic reports documenting various violations. Key concerns raised include the ban on the Awami League, death sentences against its leadership, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and custodial deaths. The reports also highlighted political persecution, mob violence, restrictions on democratic freedoms, and threats against journalists, lawyers, and marginalized communities.

JMBF urged the European Union to advocate for the lifting of the Awami League ban, demand accountability from Bangladeshi authorities, and take concrete measures to protect fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession.