DHAKA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) – Human rights defender and Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra (BNSK) Executive Director Sumaiya Islam today received the 2025 Franco-German Award for Human Rights and the Rule of Law in recognition of her long-standing advocacy for marginalized women, particularly migrant workers. French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz jointly presented the award at a ceremony at the Franco-German Embassy on International Human Rights Day. Since 2016, France and Germany have marked the day by honoring individuals globally for exceptional commitment to promoting fundamental rights and freedoms. “It is a great honor, and I am truly grateful and deeply happy to receive this Franco-German Human Rights Prize,” Sumaiya said, adding that the recognition would help strengthen BNSK’s global work to protect women migrant workers. French Ambassador Séré-Charlet said, “France continues to support human rights defenders worldwide and wholeheartedly congratulates Sumaiya Islam for receiving the 2025 Franco-German Award. We hope her commitment will inspire others to uphold human rights and advance gender equality in Bangladesh and across the globe.” German Ambassador Lotz said, “We are deeply pleased that this year’s prize honors a Bangladeshi activist whose work reflects the courage and commitment found in communities across this country. Grassroots defenders are vital for protecting rights, strengthening accountability and building a more just society.” The Franco-German Prize symbolizes the two countries’ shared commitment to defending universal human rights enshrined in international conventions. Sumaiya was chosen for her two decades of work advancing the rights of women migrant workers, sex workers, transgender persons and other socially and economically marginalized groups.  She has played a leading role in civil society through BNSK, BOMSA and regional networks, and earlier served on the interim government’s Women’s Affairs Reform Commission. Her advocacy has contributed to key legislative reforms safeguarding Bangladeshi women migrant workers, while her leadership has amplified the voices of women who often remain unheard. Previously, the prize was awarded to Adilur Rahman Khan, founder of Odhikar, in 2017. He was the second Bangladeshi recipient, following Tahmina Rahman of Article 19 in 2016.  

KHULNA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has rescued  eight fishermen and recovered firearms and ammunition from a hideout of the  notorious Sundarbans robbers group "Jahangir Bahini". The rescued fishermen were identified as Atiar, 28, son of Desar Ali, Abu  Khayer Gazi, 24, son of Abu Sayeed Gazi, Mokhshed Ali, 50, son of late Madar  Ali, Mizanur Rahman, 37, son of Goni Howlader, Krishnapada, 45, son of  Jaidab, Sugdev Mondal, 27, son of Aghar Mondal, Mosharaf Hossain Dhali, 60,  son of late Malek Dhali, and Jalil Gazi, 35, son of late Sobed Ali Gazi of  the Koyra upazila. Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq said, acting on  secret information, a special operation was conducted in the Chhoto Dagra  Canal area of the Shibsa River on Wednesday where members of the gang had  reportedly been holding several fishermen hostage. During the operation, Coast Guard personnel recovered one single-barrel gun,  four rounds of live cartridges and seven empty cartridges. Eight abducted  fishermen were also rescued from the spot.   Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the bandits fled deep into the forest,  and no arrests could be made. The fishermen said they had been held captive for seven days and tortured by  members of Jahangir Bahini, who demanded ransom for their release. The rescued fishermen have been handed over to their families, while legal  procedures regarding the seized firearms and ammunition are underway, the  media officer said.