French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz jointly presented Sumaiya Islam the human rights award at a ceremony at the Franco-German Embassy. Photo: Collected

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.