Paris, France; January 14, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its strongest condemnation of the alleged custodial death of Abdur Rahman and the severe injury of Habibur Rahman due to torture by the Joint Forces, led by the army, in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, on January 13, 2025.
JMBF asserts that this grave incident of torture, arbitrary detention, and denial of timely medical treatment constitutes a blatant breach of Bangladesh’s Constitution, national laws, and international human rights standards, leading to gross human rights violations.
JMBF urges the exemplary punishment of the perpetrators involved in these gross human rights violations through a transparent and speedy tribunal following an impartial judicial investigation led by a justice of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, "The custodial death of Abdur Rahman and the brutal torture of Habibur Rahman are stark reminders of the unchecked impunity within Bangladesh’s security forces. Torture is a crime against humanity, and no democratic nation can tolerate such atrocities. The Bangladeshi authorities must ensure an independent investigation and prosecute those responsible to uphold the rule of law and human dignity."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer and the Founder-President of JMBF, added, "This is not just a violation of the fundamental rights of two individuals; it is an assault on the core principles of justice, accountability, and democracy in Bangladesh. The systematic use of torture and the denial of medical treatment in custody must end. We call upon the Bangladesh government to take immediate action against those responsible and implement structural reforms to prevent further human rights abuses."
Facts in Brief (According to news published in different newspapers in Bangladesh, as well as information received from JMBF’s reliable sources):
On Monday, January 13, at around 6:15 PM, former Chhatra Dal leader Abdur Rahman (34), who was arrested in a joint operation in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, allegedly died due to torture by the joint forces led by the army and negligence in treatment by Sonaimuri Police Station at the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital.
At the same time another man, Habibur Rahman (25), was also severely injured and is currently undergoing advanced treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to alleged torture by the joint forces after their arrest. Relatives and local BNP leaders have alleged that Abdur Rahman died due to beatings after his arrest and a lack of timely medical treatment.
Abdur Rahman, who died in police custody in Sonaimuri, Noakhali, was the former joint general secretary of Sonaimuri Union Chhatra Dal in the upazila. He was also a candidate for the position of organizing secretary of the Union Jubo Dal. He was the eldest of three brothers and a sister. Two and a half years ago, he married a woman named Riya Akhtar. They have an eight-month-old daughter named Raika. His family claims that Abdur Rahman was killed in a 'contract killing.' The army arrested him with bullets and weapons on the morning of January 13 and later handed him over to the police station.
Abdur Rahman’s cousin, Md. Hanif, an expatriate in America, said that members of the joint forces arrested his cousin Abdur Rahman and his nephew Habibur Rahman (25) from their house at around 4 AM on Monday. After their arrest, they were beaten. It was reported that cartridges and a pistol were recovered from them. Later in the morning, the two were handed over to Sonaimuri Police Station.
Hanif claimed that after they were handed over to the police, he went to the police station and found them seriously injured. He requested the police to arrange treatment for them. However, the two were sent to court at 5 PM on Monday. When the court requested medical treatment, the police took them to the hospital at around 5:30 PM. Abdur Rahman died shortly after being admitted, allegedly because the police kept him at the station all day without arranging treatment.
Abdur Rahman’s sister, Salma Akhtar, said, "My elder brother, Abdur Rahman, had also signed a contract for 4.5 million taka to go to America and left his passport with 7 million taka. He used to take care of my father, Maulana Saidul Haque, and my mother, Rokeya Begum. They killed my innocent brother. I want justice for this."
Eyewitnesses said that on Monday morning, joint forces led by the army raided Howladar’s house in Hirapur village of Sonapur Union. They arrested Abdur Rahman and his nephew, Jubo Dal activist Habibur Rahman, and beat them severely. Later, they were taken to a water source for questioning. Then, they were taken to a shop and beaten.
Noakhali Army Camp Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Rifat Anwar stated that the two accused were arrested in the morning with two bullets and three knives and handed over to Sonaimuri Police Station at around 7:30 AM. Later, the police registered a case and presented them in court. Abdur Rahman died at the hospital in the evening.
He claimed that there was no question of a contract killing. "He may have been slightly injured in the scuffle during the arrest. However, he was in police custody all day. If something like that had happened, he would have needed treatment. Abdur Rahman felt unwell when he was handed over to the court in the afternoon. Later, he was taken to Noakhali General Hospital, where he died. The matter is being investigated by the army," he added.
Rajib Ahmed, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Noakhali General Hospital, said, "At around 5:30 PM, the police brought Abdur Rahman and Habibur Rahman to the hospital in a seriously injured condition. Abdur Rahman died at 6:20 PM. Both of them had injuries on their bodies. However, there were no cuts. The remaining injured, Habibur Rahman, has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment."
JMBF’s Legal and Human Rights Analysis:
JMBF stated that the Constitution of Bangladesh, under Article 35(5), explicitly prohibits torture and inhumane or degrading treatment. The alleged acts of torture and the subsequent death of Abdur Rahman in custody represent a gross violation of this fundamental right.
Furthermore, under Article 32, every citizen has the right to life and personal liberty, which was clearly denied in this case. The deliberate failure of the authorities to provide timely medical care constitutes criminal negligence, leading to the unlawful death of a citizen under state custody.
Additionally, this incident violates The Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013, which criminalizes torture and stipulates strict penalties for law enforcement personnel responsible for such acts. The act defines custodial torture and death as punishable offenses, and those responsible must be held accountable through an independent investigation.
JMBF also stated that from an international legal perspective, this act of custodial torture and negligence directly contravenes the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), to which Bangladesh is a state party. Under Article 2(1) of UNCAT, Bangladesh is obligated to take effective legislative, administrative, and judicial measures to prevent acts of torture within its jurisdiction.
Additionally, Article 12 requires authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation into all allegations of torture. The failure to ensure medical treatment also violates Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.
JMBF’s Demands:
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) demands an independent and impartial investigation into this incident to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible. We urge the Bangladesh government, judiciary, and human rights organizations to take immediate action, including:
- A judicial inquiry into custodial death and torture, led by a justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh.
- Immediate suspension and prosecution of all security personnel involved, under national and international legal frameworks.
- Proper physical and psychological medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured survivor, Habibur Rahman, and support for their family members.
- Implementation of safeguards to prevent further incidents of custodial torture and negligence.
- Adequate financial compensation for the victims and their family members.
- Upholding Bangladesh’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by ensuring justice and accountability.
JMBF calls upon the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the European Union (EU), and international human rights organizations to monitor the situation closely and press the Bangladesh government for justice and reforms to prevent future violations.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the victims’ families and all those who seek justice and accountability in Bangladesh. JMBF will continue to advocate for the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and the dignity of every Bangladeshi citizen.
Justice must prevail. Impunity must end.
Thank you.
Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus
Chief Coordinator & Member of the Executive Committee
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France
Email: jannatul.ferdaus@jmbf.org
Website: www.jmbf.org
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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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