Dhaka: Human rights defender and Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra (BNSK), Sumaiya Islam, has been awarded the 2025 Franco-German Award for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. She received this accolade in recognition of her persistent advocacy for marginalized women, particularly migrant workers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the award ceremony took place at the Franco-German Embassy on International Human Rights Day. The award was jointly presented by French Ambassador Jean-Marc S©r©-Charlet and German Ambassador Dr. Rdiger Lotz. Since 2016, France and Germany have annually marked this day by honoring individuals globally for their exceptional commitment to promoting fundamental rights and freedoms.
Sumaiya expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is a great honor, and I am truly grateful and deeply happy to receive this Franco-German Human Rights Prize.” She emphasized that this recognition would bolster BNSK’s global efforts to protect women migrant workers.
French Ambassador S©r©-Charlet highlighted France’s ongoing support for human rights defenders worldwide, congratulating Sumaiya on her achievement. He expressed hope that her dedication would inspire others to uphold human rights and advance gender equality in Bangladesh and beyond.
German Ambassador Lotz conveyed his satisfaction with the choice of this year’s recipient, noting that Sumaiya’s work embodies the courage and commitment found in communities across Bangladesh. He emphasized the importance of grassroots defenders in protecting rights, strengthening accountability, and fostering a more just society.
The Franco-German Prize represents the shared commitment of France and Germany to defending universal human rights as outlined in international conventions. Sumaiya was selected for her two decades of work advancing the rights of women migrant workers, sex workers, transgender persons, and other socially and economically marginalized groups.
Through her leadership roles in BNSK, BOMSA, and regional networks, as well as her service on the interim government’s Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, Sumaiya has significantly contributed to legislative reforms safeguarding Bangladeshi women migrant workers. Her efforts have amplified the voices of women who often remain unheard.
The Franco-German Award has previously been bestowed upon other notable Bangladeshi activists, including Adilur Rahman Khan, founder of Odhikar, in 2017, and Tahmina Rahman of Article 19 in 2016.