BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation Over the Arrest of 2 Lawyers and Filing of an Anti-Terrorism Case Against 27 Lawyers in Sunamganj
Paris, France | 27 March 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the arrest of two lawyers, Advocate Monish Kanti Dey (Mintu) and Advocate Mizanur Rahman (Shamim), and the filing of a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 27 lawyers on 26 March, following an incident in Sunamganj where lawyers paid tribute to the martyrs on the occasion of Independence and National Day by placing wreaths at the memorial and chanting patriotic slogans.
JMBF firmly believes that filing a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and arresting lawyers for peacefully paying respect to the martyrs on Independence Day is highly alarming, unjustified, contrary to democratic values, and a clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
According to available information, on the morning of 26 March 2026, a group of lawyers gathered at the central memorial located in the Sunamganj court premises under the banner of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council. They peacefully organized a procession, chanted slogans such as “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu” and “On this day of independence, we remember you, Mujib,” and paid tribute to the martyrs by placing wreaths. Photos and videos of the program were later circulated on social media.
Following this incident, Sub-Inspector (SI) Anowarul Haque of Sunamganj Court filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, naming 27 lawyers and including an additional 50–60 unidentified individuals as accused. Among those named are Advocate Khairul Kabir Rumen, Vice President of the District Awami League; Advocate Haidar Chowdhury Liton, Joint Secretary; Advocate Nazrul Islam, Organizing Secretary; and Advocate Borhan Uddin Dolon, President of Shantiganj Upazila Jubo League, along with other lawyer leaders.
Subsequently, on the night of 26 March, police conducted an operation and arrested two lawyers—Advocate Monish Kanti Dey (Mintu), a member of the Bangabandhu Awami Lawyers Council, and Advocate Mizanur Rahman (Shamim), former Legal Affairs Secretary of the District Chhatra League. They were produced before the court on 27 March.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF and a renowned human rights lawyer, stated:
“Bringing peaceful processions and slogan chanting on a national day under the Anti-Terrorism Act is a gross misuse of the law and a clear violation of citizens’ fundamental rights. Such actions against members of the legal profession pose a serious threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.”
He further stated: “The current government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under the premiership of Tarique Rahman, like the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, must immediately stop the ongoing repression against lawyers. Otherwise, it risks establishing a new form of fascism in the name of democracy.”
JMBF strongly condemns this incident and demands:
- Immediate and unconditional release of the arrested lawyers
- Withdrawal of the baseless and harassing case
- Ensure constitutional rights to peaceful assembly
- Ensuring the neutrality and independence of law enforcement agencies
JMBF calls upon the United Nations, the European Parliament, international human rights organizations, bar associations, and all pro-democracy actors to speak out against this incident.
Upholding the spirit of Bangladesh’s independence, JMBF believes that safeguarding the rule of law, freedom of expression, and fundamental rights is a primary responsibility of the state. Such repressive actions undermine that very spirit.
Thank you,
Advocate Mohammad Alamgir
General Secretary
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
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