A human rights organization has expressed serious concerns about the autonomy of lawyers in Bangladesh. The organization emphasized that the main threat to lawyers’ independence in the country arises from governance failure under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. This statement was made by Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) ahead of the 16th International Day of Endangered Lawyers.
The JMBF highlighted that the interim government was expected to stabilize institutions, restore justice, and safeguard fundamental rights. However, instead of fulfilling this mandate, the legal profession has faced fear, repression, and violence under its leadership. The organization’s report points out a disturbing pattern of persecution against lawyers, which has not been adequately addressed by the authorities.
According to the rights body, lawyers in Bangladesh are facing various forms of harassment, including fabricated criminal cases, arbitrary arrests, public defamation, physical assaults, and even targeted killings. Despite widespread documentation and reporting of these abuses, the official response has been characterized by silence, delays, and denial, rather than proactive intervention.
The JMBF criticized the government for its inaction and complicity in the face of systematic abuse against legal professionals. It noted that law enforcement agencies are being used for political purposes, and prosecutorial powers are being misused to intimidate and punish lawyers for carrying out their professional duties. The organization also raised concerns about the lack of accountability for mob violence targeting lawyers, which has created a climate of impunity and insecurity within the legal community.
Highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the repression, the JMBF pointed out that lawyers are being targeted not just for their political affiliations but simply for upholding their independence. Even lawyers aligned with the ruling political forces have not been spared from attacks or violence. This situation, according to the organization, reflects a systemic erosion of the rule of law and a failure on the part of the interim government to protect the justice system.
The JMBF called on the international community to take immediate action and not rely solely on optimism or reputation. It emphasized the urgent need to address the ongoing dangers faced by endangered lawyers in Bangladesh, who continue to be subjected to imprisonment, physical assaults, and even death while upholding the principles of justice.
