Deaths in Police Custody and Prisons in Bangladesh Raise Concerns

Staff Reporter

The increasing number of deaths in police custody and prisons in Bangladesh has sparked widespread alarm. Recent incidents across various districts have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and raised concerns about the treatment of detainees under law enforcement agencies.

In a recent case, Akhtar Shikdar, a 44-year-old Awami League leader, died in custody in Khulna. Earlier, the nephew of Awami League Minister Munnujan Sufian was killed during a joint forces operation. Similar reports of deaths in prisons have emerged from districts including Gaibandha, Gopalganj, Bogura, Sirajganj, Gazipur, and Nilphamari.

List of Recent Deaths:

* Gaibandha: Two killed in a joint forces operation.
* Gopalganj: Two deaths in prison.
* Bogura: Four Awami League leaders killed in prison.
* Sirajganj: Awami League leader killed in prison.
* Gazipur: Death of a Jubo League leader in prison.
* Nilphamari: Death of a Jubo League leader in custody.
* Noakhali: A student leader from the opposition BNP killed in a joint forces operation.
* Cumilla: Youth BNP leader Tauhid killed in a joint forces operation.
* Shariatpur: Milan Bepari died in custody allegedly due to DB police actions.
* Mymensingh: Youth BNP leader killed in a joint forces operation.
* Brahmanbaria: A migrant reportedly died from alleged army torture.
* Sandwip: Volunteer wing leader of BNP killed in a naval operation.

Human Rights Groups Alarmed

Human rights advocates view these incidents as evidence of extrajudicial killings and custodial torture. Critics allege that the ruling government is suppressing opposition voices and dissent through such actions, disregarding legal and judicial processes.

Observers warn that without transparent investigations and accountability, these incidents could worsen the law-and-order situation. They call for vigilance to prevent ordinary citizens from becoming victims of political vendettas.

Government statements on these incidents have largely been dismissive, with law enforcement agencies attributing most deaths to suicide, heart attacks, or illness. However, victims’ families and human rights groups argue that these claims are baseless and assert that custodial torture is the primary cause.

The rise in extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths in Bangladesh has also drawn international scrutiny. It remains to be seen what measures the government will take to address the issue and whether judicial investigations will uncover the truth.