JMBF Calls for an Independent Investigation, Accountability, Protection and Effective Remedies
JMBF urgently calls upon the Government of Bangladesh and all concerned authorities to ensure a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into the alleged incident; preserve all relevant evidence; ensure appropriate medical treatment and protection for Tareque Sayeed; and hold accountable anyone found responsible through due process.
JMBF further urges the United Nations, particularly the relevant Special Procedures mandate holders, diplomatic missions, international human rights organisations and the international community to urgently engage with the Government of Bangladesh, closely monitor the case and take appropriate action to ensure an independent investigation, accountability, protection and effective remedies.
JMBF also urges everyone concerned to write to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Honourable President of Bangladesh and the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, with copies to the relevant authorities listed below, calling for a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into the alleged custodial torture of Tareque Sayeed Mohammad.
In Solidarity,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
CNB Premises
180 Boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.orgFacebook: jmbf23 | X: JusticeMakersBF
LinkedIn: jmbf23 | Instagram: justicemakersbf
URGENT ACTION REQUEST TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Date: 03 October 2026
To:
Dr. Pau Pérez-Sales
UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
United Nations Office at Geneva
8–14 Avenue de la Paix
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Email: hrc-sr-torture@un.org
Subject: Urgent Action Request Concerning the Alleged Custodial Torture of Tareque Sayeed Mohammad in Munshiganj District Jail, Bangladesh
Distinguished Special Rapporteur,
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organisation, respectfully submits this Urgent Action Request concerning the alleged custodial torture and serious ill-treatment of former Lieutenant Colonel Tareque Sayeed Mohammad while detained at Munshiganj District Jail in Bangladesh.
Tareque Sayeed Mohammad was allegedly subjected to severe physical assault by prison personnel while under State custody.
In view of the gravity of the allegations, the alleged involvement of State officials, and the urgent need to preserve evidence and ensure the protection and medical treatment of Tareque Sayeed, JMBF respectfully requests your urgent intervention.
I. ALLEGED TORTURE OF TAREQUE SAYEED MOHAMMAD WHILE IN STATE CUSTODY
According to information reported by Bangla Tribune and allegations presented by his lawyer before International Crimes Tribunal-2, former Lieutenant Colonel Tareque Sayeed Mohammad was allegedly subjected to serious physical assault while detained at Munshiganj District Jail.
According to his lawyer, on the night of 16 September 2026, several prison guards allegedly attacked Tareque Sayeed with sticks inside the prison.
It was further alleged that the electricity supply was deliberately disconnected during the incident and that Tareque Sayeed was struck on the head and other parts of his body, causing injuries.
The allegation is particularly serious because Tareque Sayeed was, at the time, under the direct custody, control and protection of the State.
His lawyer subsequently raised the alleged assault before International Crimes Tribunal-2 and sought an independent judicial investigation, as well as appropriate medical treatment.
On 1 October 2026, International Crimes Tribunal-2 reportedly directed the prison authorities to provide Tareque Sayeed with medical treatment in accordance with prison rules.
JMBF respectfully stresses that whatever criminal allegations or judicial proceedings may exist against Tareque Sayeed, they cannot diminish his right to physical integrity, humane treatment and absolute protection from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The State has a heightened responsibility towards persons deprived of their liberty because they are placed under the effective control of State authorities and cannot independently ensure their own physical security.
II. HUMAN RIGHTS ALLEGEDLY VIOLATED
JMBF respectfully submits that the reported conduct may amount to violations of several internationally protected human rights.
A. Freedom from Torture and Ill-Treatment
Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Bangladesh is also a State Party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT).
The prohibition of torture is absolute. It cannot be justified by a person's political identity, criminal allegations, custodial status, national security considerations or any other exceptional circumstances.
The alleged deliberate beating of Tareque Sayeed while in State custody therefore raises particularly serious concerns under Article 7 of the ICCPR and the Convention against Torture.
B. Right to Humane Treatment of Persons Deprived of Liberty
The alleged assault on Tareque Sayeed additionally raises concerns under Article 10(1) of the ICCPR, which requires that all persons deprived of their liberty be treated with humanity and with respect for their inherent dignity.
As Tareque Sayeed was detained inside a State prison, Bangladesh had a heightened obligation to ensure his physical safety and humane treatment.
C. Right to an Effective Investigation and Remedy
Under Articles 12 and 13 of CAT, Bangladesh is required to ensure a prompt and impartial investigation whenever there are reasonable grounds to believe that torture has been committed and to ensure that persons alleging torture are protected against intimidation or retaliation.
Under Article 14 of CAT, victims of torture have a right to redress, including compensation and rehabilitation.
III. LEGAL ANALYSIS
The allegation concerning Tareque Sayeed is especially serious because the alleged perpetrators were prison personnel and the alleged violence occurred while he was entirely under State control.
If the reported intentional infliction of severe physical pain or suffering by prison officials for a purpose covered by Article 1 of CAT is established, the conduct could meet the international legal definition of torture.
Even if all the elements required for classification as torture were not ultimately established, intentional physical violence against a detainee may nevertheless amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, prohibited under the ICCPR and CAT.
The reported head and bodily injuries make an independent medical and forensic examination particularly important.
A credible investigation should therefore immediately secure and examine:
- CCTV footage from the relevant areas of Munshiganj District Jail;
- duty rosters identifying prison personnel present at the relevant time;
- prison movement and incident registers;
- medical records and documentation of injuries;
- statements from prisoners and prison personnel;
- records concerning the alleged interruption of electricity; and
- relevant records concerning Tareque Sayeed's custody and movements on 16 September 2026.
Any investigation should be institutionally independent of prison officials who may be implicated.
IV. PARTICULAR CONCERNS
JMBF is particularly concerned about the alleged custodial nature of the violence against Tareque Sayeed, since persons detained in prisons are entirely dependent upon State authorities for their physical safety.
JMBF therefore considers the immediate preservation of all relevant evidence an urgent priority.
JMBF is further concerned about possible intimidation or reprisals against Tareque Sayeed, his relatives, lawyers, witnesses or other persons providing information concerning the alleged incident.
V. URGENT INTERVENTION REQUESTED
In light of the foregoing, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France respectfully requests the Special Rapporteur to consider transmitting an urgent communication to the Government of Bangladesh, individually or jointly with other relevant Special Procedures mandate holders.
JMBF respectfully requests that the Government of Bangladesh be urged to:
- conduct a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation into the alleged custodial torture of Tareque Sayeed Mohammad;
- immediately secure and preserve all relevant CCTV footage, medical records, custodial records and other evidence;
- ensure an independent medical and forensic examination and appropriate treatment for Tareque Sayeed;
- determine whether prison officials or other State officials participated in, authorised, facilitated, consented to or acquiesced in the alleged incident;
- protect Tareque Sayeed, his relatives, lawyers and witnesses against threats, intimidation or reprisals;
- investigate and, where sufficient admissible evidence exists, prosecute those responsible through proceedings consistent with international fair-trial standards; and
- ensure access to effective remedies, reparation and rehabilitation where violations are established.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the possibility that essential evidence may be lost, JMBF respectfully requests that this communication be treated as urgent.
JMBF would be grateful to be informed of any action taken pursuant to this submission and remains available to provide additional information or supporting documentation.
Please accept, Distinguished Special Rapporteur, the assurances of our highest consideration.
In Solidarity,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
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
Facebook: jmbf23 | X: JusticeMakersBF
LinkedIn: jmbf23 | Instagram: justicemakersbf
ANNEXES / SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Copies Forwarded for Information and Appropriate Action:
1. Mr. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
Honourable President
Office of the President (Bangabhaban)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: secretary@bangabhaban.gov.bd
2. Mr. Tarique Rahman
Honourable Prime Minister
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Prime Minister’s Office
Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh
Email: pm@pmo.gov.bd; psecy@pmo.gov.bd
3. Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury
Honourable Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: rg@supremecourt.gov.bd
4. Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed
Honourable Minister
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: minister@moha.gov.bd
5. Mr. Monjur Morshed Chowdhury
Senior Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: secretary@moha.gov.bd
6. Mr. Md. Ali Hossain Fakir
Inspector General of Police
Bangladesh Police
Police Headquarters
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: ig@police.gov.bd
7. Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain, ndc, psc
Inspector General of Prisons
Department of Prisons
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: ig@prison.gov.bd
8. Deputy Inspector General of Prisons (DIG Prisons)
Dhaka Division-1
Department of Prisons
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: dighq@prison.gov.bd
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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 communities in Bangladesh and beyond. JMBF is officially registered in the European Union Transparency Register (REG No. 0635235105176-78).
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