JOINT STATEMENT: Crackdown Against the Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh Under the Interim Government

 https://www.jmbf.org/2025/11/joint-statement-crackdown-against.html

JOINT STATEMENT: Crackdown Against the Independence of Lawyers in Bangladesh Under the Interim Government

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France/ Belgium/ Poland/ Egypt/ Thailand/ Kazakhstan/ India; November 5, 2025: The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the National Bar Council (CNB), the International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk (OIAD), the Arrested Lawyers Initiative, the Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP), the International Association of People’s Lawyers – Monitoring Committee on Attacks on Lawyers, the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), the Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), the 'NEVER AGAIN' Association, the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), the Public Association Dignity, the Programme Against Custodial Torture and Impunity (PACTI), the Solidarité Internationale LGBTQI (SIL) and the Families of the Disappeared (FOD) express grave concern over the contineous politically motivated repression against the independence of the legal community in Bangladesh under the current Interim Government.

Lawyers are being systematically targeted solely for performing their professional duties and exercising their political beliefs. The France-based human rights organization, Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), has documented 268 verified incidents of persecution affecting 849 lawyers between August 2024 and September 2025 under the current Interim Government. To access and download the full report, please visit the following link: https://www.scribd.com/document/940509181/JMBF-Report-2025-Crackdown-on-Independence-of-Lawyers-in-Bangladesh-under-Interim-Government

The evidence reveals a coordinated, politically motivated campaign orchestrated by the Interim Government, led by former Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, and its allies, targeting lawyers for their political affiliations, professional responsibilities, and organizational engagements. This campaign has undermined the independence of the legal profession, obstructed justice, and threatened the rule of law.

Patterns of Persecution

According to JMBF’s verified documentation, the crackdown includes multiple overlapping tactics:

1. Fabricated Cases: 200 incidents affecting 721 lawyers, including false charges of murder, attempted murder, sabotage, seditious conspiracy, extortion, and other crimes, used to criminalize and silence legal professionals.
2. Arbitrary Imprisonment: 75 incidents involving 203 victims (including 57 incidents/73 lawyers imprisoned following arrest, and 18 incidents/130 lawyers imprisoned after voluntary surrender before the court).
3. Physical Violence: 26 incidents affecting 51 lawyers, involving assault, intimidation, and harassment.
4. Targeted Killings: 4 lawyers murdered outside custody, intended to instill fear within the legal community.
5. Vandalism: 7 incidents targeting chambers, homes, and offices, disrupting professional and personal lives.
6. Professional Sanctions: 16 cases involving expulsions from bar associations and license cancellations, stripping lawyers of their professional legitimacy.
7. Misrule of Bars: 16 bar committees forcibly occupied, with lawyers affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) systematically barred from contesting 44 district bar association elections through canceled or refused nomination papers.
8. Other Forms of Repression: 30 incidents affecting 50 lawyers, including surveillance, harassment, extortion, smear campaigns, death threats, and threats of fabricated prosecutions.

Politically Targeted Persecution

The repression has been overwhelmingly politically motivated, disproportionately affecting lawyers affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). JMBF documented 236 incidents involving 795 victims, representing 88% of all incidents and 93% of all victims nationwide. These figures demonstrate a deliberate effort to neutralize pro-BAL lawyers and obstruct justice.

Call to Action

We strongly condemn these politically motivated and systematically targeted attacks and call on the Interim Government of Bangladesh to:

1. Immediately end all forms of persecution against lawyers in Bangladesh.
2. Release all imprisoned lawyers and withdraw all charges unconditionally.
3. Ensure protection of lawyers from harassment, intimidation, and violence.
4. Guarantee justice for persecuted lawyers and prevent further persecution.
5. Create an enabling environment for lawyers to perform their duties without fear or interference.
6. Provide adequate physical, psychological, and financial protection and compensation to persecuted lawyers and their families.
7. Launch an independent investigation into all incidents of persecution, with the participation of an international investigative committee, to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
8. Enact a Protection of Lawyers Act in line with the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.

We also urge the international community, including bar associations and human rights organizations, notably the United Nations Human Rights Council, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, to closely monitor the situation and provide support to lawyers under threat in Bangladesh.

We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the independence of lawyers and to upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

For further information:

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President, JMBF, Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org

Signatories

1. The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), Paris, France, https://www.jmbf.org
2. The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), Brussels, Belgium, https://www.ccbe.eu
3. The National Bar Council (CNB), Paris, France, https://www.cnb.avocat.fr
4. The International Observatory of Lawyers at Risk (OIAD), Paris, France, https://www.protect-lawyers.org
5. The Arrested Lawyers Initiative, Brussels, Belgium, https://www.arrestedlawyers.org
6. The Arab Center for the Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP), Cairo, Egypt, https://www.acijlponline.org
7. The International Association of People’s Lawyers – Monitoring Committee on Attacks on Lawyers, Bordeaux, France, https://defendlawyers.wordpress.com
8. The People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Varanasi, India, https://www.pvchr.asia
9. The Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM), Hooghly, India, http://www.masum.org.in
10. The 'NEVER AGAIN' Association, Warszawa, Poland, https://www.nigdywiecej.org
11. The Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN), Bangkok, Thailand, https://www.aprrn.org
12. The Public Association Dignity, Astana, Kazakhstan, https://www.kkassiyet.wordpress.com
13. The Programme Against Custodial Torture & Impunity (PACTI), Hooghly, India, http://www.masum.org.in
14. The Solidarité Internationale LGBTQI (SIL), Paris, France, https://www.asso-sil.fr
15. The Families of the Disappeared, Negombo, Sri Lanka

 

🌍 Girl Power and Justice: Building a Better World from the Ground Up

Stories of Courage, Education, and Empowerment from Varanasi

In the narrow lanes of Varanasi — where struggle meets resilience — a quiet revolution is unfolding. It’s not led by politicians or corporations, but by ordinary people: daughters who dream, fathers who fight for truth, mothers who never give up, and communities that believe in the power of compassion.

These are the stories of Resham, Fiza, Shital, Shivangi, and the Sahni sisters — young women whose journeys show how education and justice together can transform not just individuals, but the soul of a nation.

Their stories are living reflections of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially:

🎓 SDG 4: Quality Education

♀️ SDG 5: Gender Equality

⚖️ SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

And together, they form the building blocks of SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals, because none of this transformation happens alone.

🌿 From Chains to Wings — The Story of Paru and Resham Sonkar

Read the full story →

When Paru Sonkar was wrongfully imprisoned, his world collapsed. But truth found its way back through the tireless efforts of PVCHR, Advocate Tanweer Ahmed Siddiqui, and allies like DIGNITY (Danish Institute Against Torture), IRCT, and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture.

As Paru regained his freedom, his daughter Resham was quietly fighting her own battle — for education. With the help of the PVCHR Scholarship Program, supported by Ms. Parul Sharma and donors from Sweden, she not only completed her 10+2 with first-class honors but is now a university student with dreams of becoming a teacher.

“When my father was in prison,” Resham says, “I promised myself that I would study — so that knowledge could be my weapon against injustice.”

Together, Paru and Resham symbolize the essence of justice leading to empowerment — a direct reflection of SDG 16 and SDG 4 working hand in hand.

🌸 Lighting the Lamp of Hope — The Sahni Sisters’ Story

Read the full story →

When their father, Raghuvar Sahni, passed away, the Sahni siblings faced despair. Yet, their resilience — fueled by scholarships from Janmitra Nyas and PVCHR — turned tragedy into triumph.

Saniya and Saloni continued their studies despite financial hardships, becoming the first generation in their family to pursue higher education.

Their determination to continue learning is a shining embodiment of SDG 4 (Education for All) and SDG 5 (Empowering Women and Girls) — proving that education is not charity; it’s nation-building.

🌈 Fiza’s Flight — From the Lanes of Varanasi to the Path of Justice

Read the full story →

Fiza Parveen grew up in a home where educating daughters was seen as a burden. But she dreamed of becoming a lawyer — to defend those who couldn’t speak for themselves.

With support from the Muskan Bai Scholarship Program (PVCHR), Fiza broke barriers and is now an outspoken student leader advocating for equality and justice.

“One day,” she says, “I’ll stand in court for the voiceless — so that no poor person feels alone in their fight for justice.”

Her story reflects how empowered girls strengthen justice systems, directly contributing to SDG 5 and SDG 16 — the twin pillars of peace and equality.

🚲 Wings of Determination — Shivangi’s Journey Beyond Hardship

Read the full story →

For Shivangi Sahni, a bicycle became a symbol of freedom. When her father lost his job during the pandemic, her education nearly stopped. But through the PVCHR and Janmitra Nyas scholarship, and with the simple gift of a cycle, she continued her studies.

Today, she’s pursuing higher education and dreams of becoming a teacher — helping other girls rise from hardship.

“When I pedal to college,” she smiles, “it feels like I’m cycling toward a better future — for myself, and for my country.”

Her journey speaks to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities) — showing how empowerment at the grassroots fuels inclusive growth.

🌻 Shital’s Strength — Rising from Dust, Reaching for Dreams

Read the full story →

Born into a Dalit family in rural Varanasi, Shital Bharti faced social barriers and economic hardship. Her parents — daily wage laborers — struggled to keep her in school, until PVCHR’s scholarship program intervened.

Now a third-year university student, Shital is a beacon of change in her community.

“Earlier my parents spoke of my marriage,” she says, “now they tell me — ‘Keep studying, daughter.’ That change means everything.”

Shital’s transformation is a living example of how education dismantles inequality and strengthens democracy — advancing SDG 4, SDG 5, and SDG 16.

🌍 Together for a Better World

These stories from the bylanes of Varanasi aren’t just about individual triumphs — they are microcosms of nation-building.

When a father like Paru stands for justice, when a daughter like Resham studies to teach others, when girls like Fiza, Shivangi, and Shital rise above poverty — they are all shaping the future of India, one dream at a time.

This collective journey — supported by PVCHR, Janmitra Nyas, DIGNITY, IRCT, the UN Trust Fund, and global donors — embodies the spirit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

to leave no one behind, to educate every child, and to build peace through justice and equality.

Because when you educate one girl, you don’t just change a life —you ignite a nation.

✨ Explore the Stories of Courage and Change

Each of these stories shines a light on how education, justice, and compassion together create lasting social transformation.
They reflect the heart of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 5 & 16) — empowering girls, strengthening justice, and building the foundation for a better, fairer world.

🔹 Lighting the Lamp of Hope — The Sahni Family
A father’s dream lives on through his daughters, Saniya and Saloni, whose education turned loss into leadership — a story of self-reliance and the transformative power of learning.

🔹 Fiza’s Flight — From the Lanes of Varanasi to the Path of Justice
Once told to abandon her studies, Fiza now dreams of becoming a lawyer to defend the voiceless — proving that when girls learn, societies become more just and humane.

🔹 From Chains to Wings — The Story of Paru and Resham Sonkar
A father’s fight for justice inspired his daughter’s pursuit of education. Together, Paru and Resham show how truth and knowledge together restore dignity and hope.

🔹 Wings of Determination — Shivangi’s Journey Beyond Hardship
With a scholarship and a bicycle, Shivangi turned struggle into strength. Her journey symbolizes freedom, mobility, and the unstoppable will of a young woman who dares to dream.

🔹 Shital’s Strength — Rising from Dust, Reaching for Dreams
Born into poverty, Shital fought to continue her studies and became a beacon of equality in her village — showing that education can break even the deepest social barriers.

🔹 Muskan’s Return to Books — The Smile That Found Its Light Again
When hardship silenced her education, Muskan’s spirit refused to give up. With PVCHR’s support, she returned to school — and to life — proving that one scholarship can reignite an entire family’s hope.

#GirlPower | #EducationForAll | #SDG4 #SDG5 #SDG16 | #PVCHR | #NationBuilding | #JusticeAndEquality | #BetterWorld

Shital’s Strength — Rising from Dust, Reaching for Dreams

 

Shital’s Strength — Rising from Dust, Reaching for Dreams 

Born in a Village, Raised by Determination

“When I open my books, I remember the dust of the fields, my mother’s sweat, and my father’s paint-stained hands — the hands that carried me this far.”

This is how Shital Bharti, a young woman from Paramdapur village, Varanasi, describes her journey — a story of resilience that shines brightly amidst poverty and hardship.

Shital belongs to a small Dalit community (Chamar basti), where opportunities are scarce, and dreams are often buried beneath survival. She is the only daughter among six brothers — the lone girl in a house where education was considered a luxury, not a right.

Her father, Ajit Bharti, paints walls and shop signboards for a living, while her mother, Nagina Devi, works tirelessly in the fields — harvesting rice and wheat, weeding and tilling from sunrise to sunset.

Despite their struggles, Shital’s dreams were never small.
Even as a child helping her mother in the fields, she whispered to herself, “One day, I’ll study and change our life.”

A Mother’s Sacrifice, A Daughter’s Promise

When Shital reached Class 9, her family’s financial crisis peaked. Her father, already burdened by debts, said helplessly:

“We can’t afford more schooling. You’ll have to stop now.”

For a young girl with big dreams, it was devastating. But her mother stayed silent — and then did something extraordinary.

Without telling anyone, she borrowed money from a villager at interest, just to pay Shital’s school fees.

“That day I understood what a mother’s love truly means,” Shital recalls. “It was her quiet courage that kept my dream alive.”

A Turning Point: The Power of One Helping Hand

By Class 10, things grew worse. There was no money left — not even enough to buy books. Shital broke down in tears, convinced her education was over.

Then, hope came through friendship. A classmate took her to meet Somaru Sir, a local education volunteer associated with the Janmitra Nyas and the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR).

When Somaru Sir spoke with her parents, he asked gently,

“Why stop her education? Don’t you see? Through her learning, your life will also change.”

His words reached their hearts. From that day on, no one stopped Shital from studying again.

Soon after, she was connected to the PVCHR scholarship program, which ensured she could continue her education without financial stress.

Books Over Barriers

With scholarship support, Shital’s schooling became consistent. Her confidence grew with every passing year, and so did her family’s pride.

Today, she is a third-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) student, studying with passion and purpose.

The same people who once said, “Let’s save money for her marriage instead of her studies,” now proudly tell others,

“Our daughter will study — she’ll stand on her own feet.”

“Earlier, my parents talked about my marriage,” Shital says with a smile. “Now they say, ‘Keep studying, daughter.’ That change means everything to me.” 

The Victory of Grit and Gratitude

Every page Shital reads carries the weight of her parents’ sacrifices. Her father’s hands, marked by paint and labor, and her mother’s cracked palms from fieldwork, have built the foundation for her success.

“My story may seem ordinary,” she says, “but for me, it is the greatest victory of my life — a victory over poverty, helplessness, and the situations that tried to break me.”

Now, no one in her family speaks of early marriage. Everyone knows that Shital will continue her education, build her own career, and one day make her parents proud. 

💖 Changing Lives, One Scholarship at a Time

Behind Shital’s success stands a chain of compassion — the support of Ms. Parul Sharma and the donors from Sweden, whose kindness continues to empower young women through the PVCHR scholarship program.

Their faith gave Shital what every child deserves — the right to dream and the means to achieve it.

“Without this help,” she says softly, “I might have stopped after Class 10. But now, I’m studying for my degree. I can see a future that once felt impossible.” 

🌍 A Dream Shared, A Future Shaped

Shital’s journey reminds us that true transformation doesn’t come from wealth — it comes from opportunity, belief, and resilience.

Her story is a celebration of every girl who dared to hope, every parent who sacrificed in silence, and every donor who believed in the power of education to break generations of poverty.

Because when one girl learns,
🌸 a family rises,
🌸 a community changes,
🌸 and the world becomes brighter.

🌼 Our Deepest Gratitude

We extend heartfelt thanks to Ms. Parul Sharma and our friends and donors from Sweden for their unwavering commitment to empowering young women like Shital.

Your support continues to be the bridge between dreams and reality — helping girls like her rise from the fields of struggle to the classrooms of hope.

“Now, when people in my village talk about me,” Shital says proudly, “they say — she’s the girl who didn’t give up.” 

Wings of Determination — Shivangi’s Journey Beyond Hardship

Wings of Determination — Shivangi’s Journey Beyond Hardship

When Life Tested Her, She Chose to Rise

In the riverbank settlement of Saraymohana, Ward No. 8, Dinapur (Varanasi), lives a young woman whose story captures the true meaning of courage — Shivangi Sahni, daughter of Rajesh Kumar Sahni.

Belonging to the Mallah (fisherfolk) community, Shivangi grew up in a modest household that valued hard work and honesty above all else. Her father worked in a private job, barely earning enough to support the family. But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, everything changed.

His job was suddenly terminated — and with that, the family’s only steady source of income disappeared. Overnight, they went from stability to survival.

Determined not to give up, her father returned to the family’s traditional occupation — catching fish from the Ganga and selling them along the roadside. It was backbreaking work, but it kept the family afloat.

Yet the financial strain soon began to affect everything — especially Shivangi’s education.

Dreams Interrupted, But Not Broken

In 2022, when Shivangi was in Class 10, her studies began to falter. Fees were overdue, books were unaffordable, and traveling to school became a daily struggle.

That’s when the Janmitra Nyas and People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) took notice of this determined but struggling student.

They offered her support through their scholarship program, helping her continue her studies and reigniting her confidence.

“When the scholarship came,” Shivangi recalls, “it felt like someone had lifted a huge burden from our shoulders. For the first time, I could focus on my studies without fear.”

A Bicycle, A New Beginning, and a Turning Point

In 2023, as Shivangi began her Intermediate studies, the organization not only continued her scholarship but also gifted her a bicycle — a small but life-changing gesture.

The cycle meant more than convenience — it symbolized freedom. It saved her time, kept her safe, and allowed her to reach school on time without depending on others.

Her dedication soon bore fruit. Through consistent effort and renewed hope, Shivangi passed her Intermediate examinations with First Division marks.

The Journey Continues: A Student and a Dreamer

Today, Shivangi Sahni is a first-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) student at Agarsen Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Maidagin, Varanasi.

With the institution’s continued support, her higher education is now fully secure. She attends college regularly, full of enthusiasm and gratitude.

“I will remain grateful to the organization all my life,” Shivangi says with emotion.
“Their support didn’t just help me study — it gave me the strength to believe in myself. Now I want to become a teacher and help others find the same light that I found.”

Her dream is to serve her community by becoming an educator — guiding other girls from underprivileged backgrounds toward a life of knowledge, dignity, and independence.

💖 Resilience Rewarded by Compassion

Shivangi’s story stands as a shining example of what happens when opportunity meets determination. Despite economic hardships, her spirit never faltered. With just a little help at the right time, she transformed her struggles into stepping stones toward success.

Behind her progress stands a network of compassion — the unwavering support of Ms. Parul Sharma and the generous donors from Sweden, whose belief in the transformative power of education continues to change lives.

“You didn’t just fund my education,” says Shivangi, “you gave me the courage to dream bigger.” 

🌍 Empowering One Girl at a Time

Through the partnership of Janmitra Nyas and PVCHR, girls like Shivangi — once held back by poverty and circumstance — are finding the wings to fly.

Every scholarship, every bicycle, every word of encouragement is helping bridge the gap between despair and dignity. 

A Future Built on Hope

Shivangi’s journey from the fishing nets of Saraymohana to the classrooms of Varanasi is a testament to the power of education — and the incredible strength of those who dare to dream despite adversity.

Her life reminds us that true empowerment begins when someone believes in you.

Because when a girl learns, she not only changes her own destiny — she transforms her entire community.

🌸 Thank You for Keeping Hope Alive

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Parul Sharma and the donors from Sweden for their unwavering faith in young women like Shivangi.

Your support ensures that even in the toughest of times, no girl’s education stops — and no dream fades.

“My dream is to teach — to help every girl believe that no hardship can stop her,” Shivangi says, her eyes shining with confidence.
“Because today, I am living proof that help, hope, and hard work can change everything.”

Muskan’s Return to Books — The Smile That Found Its Light Again

Muskan’s Return to Books — The Smile That Found Its Light Again

A Mother’s Voice, A Daughter’s Dream

“The day we heard that my daughter Muskan’s name had been selected for the scholarship — that was the first time, after so many dark days, that my home was filled with real laughter again.”

These are the words of Sangeeta Devi, a mother from Paramdapur village, Arajiline block, Varanasi district.
Her daughter, Muskan Seth, is now a first-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) student at Gyan Dahini Mahila University, Parmapur Akelwa — a dream that once seemed impossible.

But behind this moment of joy lies a story of deep pain, perseverance, and unbreakable will — the story of a family that refused to surrender.

When Life Stopped Moving

Sangeeta and her husband Ashok Seth once lived a modest but content life.
Ashok worked in the fields while Sangeeta supported him with agricultural labor. Their eldest child, Muskan, was a bright, curious girl — always eager to learn and full of dreams.

After completing her 12th grade from Jai Kisan Inter College, Sajoee, Muskan insisted on pursuing further studies. Her parents, proud yet worried, wanted to support her. But fate had other plans.

One day, while working in the fields, Ashok fell badly — injuring his spine.
Doctors said only surgery could help. The family borrowed money from relatives and moneylenders at high interest to pay for the operation.

But the surgery failed.

Ashok remained bedridden.

The family’s world collapsed.

“When he couldn’t move anymore,” Sangeeta recalls, “it was as if our life stopped too. Our income ended, our debt grew, and even putting food on the table became hard. The children’s education came to a halt.”

Muskan, too, was told to give up her studies and help her mother in the fields.

A Dream That Refused to Die

Even while harvesting wheat and rice under the blazing sun, Muskan’s mind was elsewhere — on the books she could no longer touch.

“Amma, I still want to study,” she would whisper at night.

Her mother could only look away, tears in her eyes, knowing she couldn’t afford her daughter’s dream.

Then one day, a ray of hope entered their lives.
A friend told Muskan about the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) — an organization helping underprivileged girls continue their education through scholarships.

They hurried to apply, but by then, the enrollment period had closed. Muskan was heartbroken — but she did not give up. She waited, worked, and hoped.

And then, some months later, the call came.

“They said Muskan’s name had been selected for the scholarship,” Sangeeta says, her voice trembling with emotion. “That evening, my daughter smiled again — truly smiled — after so long. That was the day hope returned to our home.”

 

The Light of Learning Returns

With the PVCHR scholarship, Muskan was able to enroll in Gyan Dahini Mahila University and return to her studies.

Today, she is once again immersed in her books — her eyes bright, her spirit determined. She studies with renewed energy and dreams of a life where she can stand on her own, support her family, and break the cycle of poverty.

“When I see her studying,” says Sangeeta, “a new light shines in my tired eyes. I feel maybe her fate will not be like ours.”

Muskan’s journey has become her mother’s strength — proof that no storm can extinguish the light of a determined girl’s dream.

💖 Strength, Dignity, and Gratitude

Even after her husband’s injury, Sangeeta refused to depend on others. When villagers began gossiping about the help she received, she stopped taking donations altogether and decided to rely only on her and her daughter’s hard work.

“We have little — no land, no wealth — but we have a dream,” she says. “A dream that my daughter will achieve what we could only imagine.”

Muskan’s success is not just her own. It represents the courage of a mother who refused pity, and the power of education to rebuild dignity and hope.

 

🌍 Turning Compassion into Change

The turning point in this story came from the PVCHR scholarship program, supported by the kindness and vision of Ms. Parul Sharma and the donors from Sweden.

Their generosity didn’t just pay for tuition — it restored hope to a family that had almost given up.

“You gave my daughter her books back,” says Sangeeta. “And with them, you gave her life back.”

Because of this support, Muskan is no longer working in the fields — she is learning, growing, and inspiring others to believe that education is the strongest form of empowerment. 

A Smile That Inspires Many

Muskan’s name means “smile,” and today, she truly embodies it — not just for her family, but for every girl in her village who dreams beyond her circumstances.

Her journey from the fields to the classroom reminds us that the right support at the right time can change everything.

Because every scholarship is more than aid — it is a bridge from despair to dignity, from silence to self-confidence. 

🌸 Together, We Create Hope

Thanks to our donors’ unwavering compassion, girls like Muskan are returning to school, reclaiming their dreams, and becoming role models for their communities.

Each act of kindness becomes a seed of transformation — growing into stories of courage, strength, and light.

Thank you, Ms. Parul Sharma and our supporters from Sweden, for helping Muskan find her way back to learning — and to life itself.

“Now, when I see her with her books,” says Sangeeta softly, “I feel my struggles finally have meaning.”

From Chains to Wings: The Story of Paru and Resham Sonkar

 🌿 From Chains to Wings: The Story of Paru and Resham Sonkar

— A Journey from Injustice to Inspiration

In the heart of Varanasi, where narrow lanes wind between humble homes, a story of pain, perseverance, and hope has unfolded — the story of Paru Sonkar and his daughter Resham.

Their journey began in despair but now stands as a living testament to how truth and compassion can restore not just justice, but dignity and dreams.

⚖ A Father’s Fight for Justice

Years ago, Paru Sonkar, a man of integrity and quiet courage, was wrongfully imprisoned — accused of a crime he did not commit.
In the confines of a small, dark cell, time stood still. His family — his wife Chamela Devi and their young children — were left to survive the crushing weight of poverty and stigma.

For years, Paru’s pleas of innocence echoed unheard. But truth has a way of finding its voice.

It was the People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) that first took notice of his case. Guided by Lenin Raghuvanshi, with the dedicated legal leadership of Senior Advocate Tanweer Ahmed Siddiqui, and with international solidarity from DIGNITY: Danish Institute Against Torture, the IRCT, and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture, Paru’s fight for justice began to gather strength.

After years of relentless advocacy, the day finally arrived.
In a small courtroom in Varanasi, the judge’s words broke the silence of suffering:
“Acquitted.”

Tears welled in Paru’s eyes as he stood tall once again — a free man, vindicated at last. His acquittal was not just a personal victory; it was a triumph for truth, human rights, and the power of solidarity.

“They tried to bury me with falsehood,” Paru said quietly, “but justice helped me breathe again.”

🌸 A Daughter’s Fight for the Future

While her father fought for freedom, his daughter Resham was fighting her own battle — against poverty and despair.

In their small home in Baghwanala, Paru’s wrongful imprisonment had left the family struggling to survive. His wife Chamela Devi cared for their children, including one who is mentally challenged, while Resham — still a child herself — helped with household chores, cared for her siblings, and tried to continue her education.

Her father’s suffering weighed heavily on her young heart, but it also lit a fire within her — a determination to rise above injustice through education.

“When my father was in prison,” Resham recalls, “I promised myself that one day I would study and help others find justice through knowledge.”

But poverty soon threatened to extinguish her dreams. Her father’s modest earnings after release, driving a toto, could barely cover food and rent, let alone school fees or books.

Then came hope — in the form of the PVCHR Scholarship Program, supported by Ms. Parul Sharma and 200 generous donors from Sweden.

The scholarship ensured that Resham could stay in school, buy her books, and continue her studies without interruption.

“The scholarship came like light in the darkness,” she says. “It told me that my dreams matter.”

📚 The Light That Grew Stronger

With support and renewed confidence, Resham began excelling in her studies.
She completed her 10+2 with first-class honors (74%) and became a symbol of what education can achieve even in the harshest conditions.

Today, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi, with the dream of becoming a teacher.

Her next wish is simple yet powerful — a bicycle to reach her university, a symbol of independence and progress.

“If I can become a teacher,” she says, “I’ll make sure no girl in my neighborhood ever gives up her education because of poverty.”

💞 The Power of a Father’s Faith

Paru often watches his daughter leave for college each morning — books in hand, hope in her eyes — and feels his heart swell with pride.

“When I see Resham studying,” he says softly, “I feel that my suffering was not in vain. My truth gave her a future.”

Their bond is one forged in pain but strengthened by resilience.
Paru’s fight for justice restored his dignity. Resham’s fight for education is now restoring her family’s hope — and the faith of an entire community in the power of compassion.

🌍 Together, We Light the Way

The story of Paru and Resham is not just about one family — it’s about what happens when justice meets empathy.

Because of the combined efforts of PVCHR, DIGNITY, IRCT, the UN Trust Fund, and donors from Sweden, a man once silenced by injustice now walks free — and his daughter, once on the verge of dropping out, now dreams of teaching others.

“You didn’t just free a man,” says Resham with a smile. “You freed a family — and gave us the courage to dream.”

Each act of justice, each scholarship, each kind gesture ripples outward — transforming lives, strengthening communities, and proving that truth and education are the most powerful tools for change.

Because when you free one innocent person, you restore faith in justice.
And when you educate one girl, you light the way for generations to come.

✨Gratitude
To all who made this journey possible — Advocate Tanweer Ahmed Siddiqui, Lenin Raghuvanshi, Ms. Parul Sharma, DIGNITY, IRCT, and the UN Trust Fund for Victims of Torture — thank you for turning darkness into determination, and injustice into hope.