BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Calls for Action on Prison Overcrowding and Custodial Deaths

JMBF Demands Urgent Prison Reforms, an End to Arbitrary Political Detention and Independent Investigations into Deaths in Bangladesh’s Prisons

Paris, France | 22 October 2026: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses grave concern over severe prison overcrowding, arbitrary political detention and deaths in custody amid allegations of inadequate medical treatment and negligence.

JMBF demands urgent action to protect prisoners’ lives, end unlawful detention and ensure accountability.

According to Bangladeshi news reports and JMBF’s reliable sources, prisons held 102,180 people against an official capacity of 45,186—an occupancy rate of 226.1%. A separate figure placed the population at approximately 106,000 on 29 September. Reported figures indicate that 66.9% of prisoners were awaiting trial.

Overcrowding threatens access to sleeping space, sanitation, ventilation and healthcare. Older prisoners, persons with disabilities and those with chronic illnesses face particular risks. Resource shortages cannot excuse degrading conditions or failures to provide essential treatment.

According to JMBF’s assessment, most prisoners awaiting trial are leaders, activists and supporters of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations, arbitrarily detained solely because of their political beliefs or affiliations. JMBF further reports denial of bail and adequate medical care.

Political affiliation is not evidence of criminal responsibility. Every prosecution must rest on credible evidence of individual wrongdoing and respect the presumption of innocence, access to legal assistance and meaningful judicial review.

Reports citing Department of Prisons figures record 270 deaths in 2025 and 97 in January–February 2026—a combined total of 367 in those 14 months alone. This partial count excludes August–December 2024 and deaths after February 2026. A comprehensive total since 5 August 2024 remains unavailable. Of the 270 deaths in 2025, 111 occurred while prisoners were being taken to hospital.

JMBF’s own documentation records more than 100 deaths among leaders, activists and supporters of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in prison custody, including during hospital transfers, since 5 August 2024. These cases involve serious allegations of inadequate treatment, delayed referrals and medical negligence. JMBF will publish its detailed documentation by the end of 2026. This figure covers a different period and must not be added to the 367 deaths above.

Attributing a death to illness does not establish whether timely, appropriate treatment was provided. Every allegation of medical neglect requires independent investigation.

Articles 31–32 of Bangladesh’s Constitution protect lawful treatment, life and liberty. Article 33 provides arrest and detention safeguards, subject to its exceptions. Article 35 guarantees speedy, impartial trials and prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Section 37 of the Prisons Act, 1894 requires prompt attention to prisoners needing medical care and implementation of written medical directions. The Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 must be enforced wherever applicable.

ICCPR Articles 6, 7, 9, 10 and 14 protect life, freedom from torture and arbitrary detention, humane treatment and fair-trial rights. Article 2(1) prohibits discrimination in Covenant rights based on political opinion.

The Nelson Mandela Rules, particularly Rules 24–27 and 71, establish standards for adequate healthcare, prompt emergency treatment and independent investigation of custodial deaths.

JMBF Founder President’s Statement

Proposed quotation for Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF—subject to his approval before publication:

“When the State takes someone into custody, it assumes responsibility for their safety, health and life. Political identity must never determine access to justice or lifesaving treatment. We demand an end to arbitrary political detention, immediate medical care and independent investigations into every custodial death. No family should be denied answers or accountability.”

JMBF Demands:

JMBF calls on the authorities to:

1. End arbitrary detention: Release anyone detained solely for peaceful political beliefs or affiliation.
2. Review pretrial imprisonment: Ensure evidence-based detention and bail decisions, legal assistance and timely trials.
3. Guarantee healthcare: Provide qualified doctors, medicines, emergency services and prompt hospital transfers.
4. Investigate custodial deaths: Ensure independent investigations, preserve evidence and inform families.
5. Deliver accountability: Prosecute unlawful conduct through fair proceedings and provide effective remedies.
6. Reduce overcrowding: Improve living conditions and use lawful alternatives to custody.
7. Enable independent scrutiny: Permit monitoring and publish comprehensive detention and mortality data.

Prison walls do not suspend human rights. Every person in custody must receive the care and protection necessary to preserve their life and dignity.

In Solidarity,

Mst. Jannatul Ferdous
Assistant Secretary General
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB premises
180 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
Facebook: jmbf23 | X: JusticeMakersBF
LinkedIn: jmbf23 | Instagram: justicemakersbf

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JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan international human rights organization registered in France under the French Association Law of 1901 (Registration No. W931027714), committed to defending human rights, promoting social justice, and empowering marginalised communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).