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.

European Legal Council Urges Bangladesh Prime Minister to Protect Human Rights Lawyer Shahanur Islam

The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), representing more than a million lawyers across 46 European countries, has issued an urgent plea to Her Excellency, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh. In a letter dated July 7, 2023, CCBE expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam and his family.

Shahanur Islam is a well-respected figure in the legal and human rights community, known for his unwavering dedication to advocating for marginalized groups, including ethnic, religious, political, and sexual minorities in Bangladesh. His work spans a wide range of issues, including the defense of LGBTQI+ rights and representation of individuals subjected to torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances.

UN Special Rapporteurs Express Deep Concern Over Harassment and Threats Against Bangladeshi Lawyer Shahanur Islam

In a joint communication issued on January 17, 2023, two United Nations Special Rapporteurs have raised serious concerns about the harassment and death threats faced by prominent Bangladeshi lawyer, Shahanur Islam. The communication, addressed to the Government of Bangladesh, calls for immediate action to protect Mr. Islam and ensure the safety of his family.

Margaret Satterthwaite, the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, have issued this communication in response to information they received regarding the alarming situation surrounding Mr. Shahanur Islam.

JusticeMakers Bangladesh deeply concern over the threat of crossfire to the lawyer Aminul Gani Tito in Dhaka.

Human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the threat of cross fire to Dhaka Lawyers Association senior advocate Aminul Goni Titu in the court premises for performing his professional duties.

At the same time, Justice Makers Bangladesh has called for a judicial equery committee headed by a justice of the High Court to identify the responsible police officer and take appropriate measures under the departmental and criminal law.

Law Society of England and Wales Raises Concerns Over Threats to Bangladeshi Lawyer Shahanur Islam

The Law Society of England and Wales, a professional body representing approximately 200,000 solicitors, has expressed deep concerns regarding the ongoing threats and harassment faced by Bangladeshi lawyer Shahanur Islam. On 16 November , in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, the Law Society called for immediate action to safeguard Mr. Islam and uphold the rule of law.

Shahanur Islam serves as the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights and Justice Makers Bangladesh. Throughout his career, he has been an ardent defender of the rights of ethnic, religious, and LGBTI minorities, as well as opposition politicians. Regrettably, he has been a target of multiple threats, intimidation, physical assault, and arrest dating back to 2008.

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.