Jubo-Dal Leader Dies in Joint Forces Custody, Unable to Perform Father’s Kulkhani

Local Correspondent

A Jubo-Dal leader has reportedly died in the custody of the joint forces in Cumilla, with family members alleging that he was subjected to brutal torture leading to his death. The deceased, Towhidul Islam (40), was pronounced dead by doctors after being taken to the hospital in critical condition on Friday, January 31, at noon.

Cumilla Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Mohammad Saiful Malik stated, “Around 11 AM on Friday, the army informed the police to take custody of Towhidul Islam. He was handed over to the police in an unconscious state. When taken to the hospital, doctors declared him dead.”

However, the police could not provide details on why Towhidul was detained or how he died. They confirmed that there were no cases or complaints against him. No official statement has been issued by the joint forces either.

Towhidul, a resident of Italia village in Panchthubi Union of Adarsha Sadar Upazila, Cumilla, had returned home after learning of his father Mokhlesur Rahman’s death. He was the father of four daughters and worked at a shipping agency in Chattogram. His father’s Kulkhani (post-death ritual) was scheduled for Friday.

Towhidul’s brother, Sadekur Rahman, recounted that around 2:30 AM on Thursday, army personnel arrived at their home. They were accompanied by five youths in plain clothes, not in police uniforms. Towhidul was arrested, and the team confiscated everyone’s mobile phones and conducted a search of the house but found nothing. When asked why Towhidul was being detained, they provided no explanation and took him away in a vehicle.

Sadek added that the army returned in the morning for another extensive search but found nothing. Towhidul was still in the vehicle but was not allowed to get out. From a distance, he appeared lifeless.

Towhidul’s wife, Yasmin Nahar, repeatedly fainted while speaking, saying, “I have four young daughters. I don’t know how I will raise them. My husband committed no crime. Why was he tortured and killed? I demand a proper investigation and justice for this incident.”

Farid Uddin, member secretary of Cumilla South District Jubo-Dal, stated, “Towhidul had no prior allegations against him. He was fulfilling his responsibilities in the Jubo-Dal. There are allegations that he was given electric shocks in various parts of his body. We cannot accept the death of such a person. We demand an investigation into this incident.”

Dr. Tanvir Ahmed from the emergency department of Cumilla Medical College Hospital said, “Towhidul Islam was brought to the emergency department by the police on Friday afternoon. Upon examination, it was found that he had already died before being brought to the hospital. There were signs of injury on various parts of his body.”