BANGLADESH ALERT: Deaths of Two Detainees in Sylhet and Moulvibazar Custody of RAB and PBI – JMBF Expresses Deep Concern and Strong Condemnation

“বাংলা ভাষার সম্পূর্ণ সংস্করণ দেখার জন্য, নিচে স্ক্রল করে ‘More’ এ ক্লিক করুন।” "Pour consulter les versions complètes en français, faites défiler vers le bas et cliquez sur ‘Voir plus’.”

Paris, France; September 17,  2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the deaths of two detainees in the custody of law enforcement agencies in Sylhet and Moulvibazar on 14 and 15 September 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that the deaths of these detainees in the custody of specialized units, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), are not only a threat to the rule of law and the judicial system in Bangladesh, but also constitute a gross violation of the Bangladesh Constitution and fundamental human rights as enshrined by the United Nations. These incidents pose a serious threat to Bangladesh’s international human rights commitments.

PRESS RELEASE: JMBF Releases Its Annual State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths under the Interim Government in Bangladesh

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Paris, France – August 25, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) today released its Annual Report 2025: An Up-To-Date State of Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Under the Interim Government in Bangladesh (August 2024 – July 2025), presenting a grim account of widespread human rights violations under the Yunus-led interim administration.

The report, researched by Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus and edited by Advocate Shahanur Islam, documents 60 incidents resulting in 70 victims of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths carried out by law enforcement agencies, prison authorities, and other security forces across Bangladesh.

The report has been published from Paris, France, with an official press release circulated via email communication. It is also available on JMBF’s official website, Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Twitter/X accounts.

The report states that despite assuming power in August 2024 with pledges to restore democracy, good governance, and human rights, the Yunus government has presided over what JMBF describes as a systematic pattern of repression, impunity, and political persecution.

BANGLADESH ALERT: JMBF Deeply Concerned and Strongly Condemns the Death of Durjoy Chowdhury in Police Custody at Chakaria Police Station, Cox’s Bazar

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Paris, France; 23 August 2025: France-based human rights organization Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the mysterious death of young government employee Durjoy Chowdhury (27) in police custody at Chakaria Police Station, Cox’s Bazar, in the early hours of Friday, 22 August 2025.

JMBF firmly believes that this death is the result of planned custodial torture and extrajudicial killing, which was subsequently staged as a case of suicide. This represents a gross violation of human rights and a stark example of state terrorism.

One Year of the Yunus Regime: Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths Persist in Bangladesh

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By Advocate Shahanur Islam

When the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024, following the collapse of the Awami League administration, expectations ran high. The leadership pledged to strengthen democracy, restore the rule of law, and protect human rights. Yet, one year on, evidence suggests that these aspirations remain far from realized.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Bangladesh recorded sixty incidents of extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths, resulting in seventy victims, according to monitoring by JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF). Of these, thirty-three incidents were linked to law enforcement and security forces, accounting for forty-three deaths, while twenty-seven deaths occurred inside prisons. These figures point to persistent structural weaknesses within the justice and security systems.

BANGLADESH: Death of Female Lecturer in Police Custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka — A Stark Reflection of Mismanagement and Cruelty by the Interim Government

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Paris, France; 12 July 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization established on the foundations of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the tragic death of Independent University lecturer Firoza Ashravee on 11 July 2025 while in police custody at Vatara Police Station in Dhaka. This incident is yet another chilling example of the insecurity detainees face in state custody and constitutes a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Deeply Concerned over the Death of Sheikh Jewel in Police Custody at Kumilla

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Paris, France – June 22, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation over the death of Sheikh Jewel (45) in police custody at Muradnagar Police Station in Kumilla, Bangladesh, on June 19, 2025. Sheikh Jewel, a tech entrepreneur who operated a broadband internet business in his home village of Bangra, reportedly died following torture while in police custody, according to statements from his family.

BANGLADESH: Strong Condemnation and Deep Concern Over a Series of Mysterious and Unnatural Deaths of Awami League Leaders and Activists in Custody During Interim Government Rule

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Paris, France | 17 June 2025: The Paris-based human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expresses its deepest concern and strongest condemnation over the alarming and disturbing rise in unnatural and mysterious deaths of detained Awami League leaders and activists in central and district prisons across Bangladesh under the current interim government. Since the formation of the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus on 8 August 2024, more than 24 members of the ruling party and its affiliated organizations have reportedly died in custody over the past ten months. JMBF firmly believes that most of these deaths involve allegations of brutal torture, deliberate medical neglect, and politically motivated killings—amounting to gross violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

BANGLADESH: Interim Government Under Dr. Muhammad Yunus Must Be Held Accountable for Heinous Political Murders and Gross Human Rights Violations

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Paris, France – June 8, 2025: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a France-based human rights organization, expresses its deepest condemnation and unreserved outrage over the widespread and systematic political murders perpetrated under the watch of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

According to a report released by the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) on June 6, 2025, at least 123 members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were victims of targeted killings between August 5, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Among them, 41 were hacked to death in Taliban-style executions, and 21 others were killed in state custody—a chilling reflection of the collapse of the rule of law and human rights protections in Bangladesh.

Press & Public Statement: JMBF Strongly Condemns the Custodial Death and Torture by Joint Forces in Sonaimuri, Noakhali

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.

STATEMENT: JMBF Gravely Concerned about the Alleged Death of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam Due to Torture in Gaibandha

Paris, France; September 11, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is profoundly outraged and horrified by the reported torture by law enforcement agencies in Gaibandha, resulting in the deaths of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam and severe injuries to three other individuals.

BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns the Alleged Death of Afroza Begum Due to Torture in Abhaynagar Police Station, Jashore

Paris, France – JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses profound concern and outrage over the tragic and brutal death of Afroza Begum, a 40-year-old housewife from Jessore, who allegedly died due to torture while in police custody at Abhaynagar Police Station, Jashore, on June 2, 2024.

According to reports published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, Afroza Begum was forcibly taken from her home by a police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Silon Ali on the night of June 1, 2023. Despite no incriminating evidence found during the initial search, she was subjected to severe physical abuse. ASI Silon Ali beat her until she fell to the ground and then tortured her further by tying her hair to a fan. The police also demanded a bribe of Tk 2 lakh for her release. When the family could not pay, she was allegedly tortured to death.The police claim that Afroza Begum was arrested with 30 pieces of yaba and that she died of natural causes. 

BANGLADESH: JMBF Condemns the Death of Suraiya Khatun in RAB Custody Allegedly Due to Torture and Demands Justice and Accountability

Paris, France; May 26, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Suraiya Khatun, a 45-year-old woman in the custody of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) allegedly due to torture on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Bhairab, Kishoreganj.

JMBF calls for exemplary punishment for those responsible, in a fair trial according to the Torture and Death in Custody (Prevention) Act 2013, by forming a judicial committee to investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators free from any interference by RAB or other law enforcement agencies involved in the incident.

Statement:JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Alleged Police Torture Deaths in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon

Akram Hossain 

Paris, France; April 24, 2024: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed deep concern regarding the deaths of two individuals, including a leader of Jubo Dal, allegedly due to brutal torture by police in Sunamganj and Thakurgaon on April 16 and 8, 2023, respectively.

Demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of these alleged gross human rights violations, JMBF calls for the establishment of an inquiry committee led by a judicial magistrate to ensure integrity and transparency in the investigation process.

According to report published in different new media in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that On April 16, 2024, Tuesday evening, Ramiz Mia (50) from Burungamara village in North Sreepur Union of Tahirpur, Sunamganj, allegedly died in police custody during his arrest by members of the Tahirpur Police Station.

On April 17, his body was buried after a post-mortem examination at Sunamganj General Hospital. Ramiz Mia's family members allege that he died due to police beating and demand punishment for those involved. However, the police denied the allegations of beating and claimed that he ran away from the shop and they could not catch him again. After searching for some time, they left the place.

Statement: JMBF Calls for Justice for the Death of Faruk Hossain Hossain Due to Alleged Torture in Police Custody at Dhaka!

Paris, France; February 02, 2023: France base human rights organization, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Faruk Hossain Hossain, a bodybuilder and former Mister Bangladesh, as well as the personal bodyguard of the former chairman of City Bank Limited, Mohammad Shoaib, due to alleged torture by the police at Bangshal Police Station under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) following arrest for possession of cannabis.

JMBF urges the formation of a judicial inquiry committee, headed by a justice of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, to investigate this incident, ensuring the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings. JMBF also calls for exemplary punishment for the alleged culprits through a fair and transparent trial under the Prohibition of Torture and Death in Custody Law 2013.

প্রেস বিবৃতি: জামালপুর ও হবিগঞ্জে পুলিশ হেফাজতে শারীরিক নির্যাতনে দুই আসামী নিহতের অভিযোগের ঘটনায় জেএমবিএফ বিচার বিভাগীয় তদন্তের আহ্বান জানিয়েছে।

প্যারিস, ফ্রান্স; ২৮ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৩: গত ২৬ ডিসেম্বর মঙ্গলবার বাংলাদেশের জামালপুর জেলার অন্তর্গত সরিষাবাড়ী থানায় এবং হবিগঞ্জ জেলার অন্তর্গত বানিয়াচং থানায় পুলিশ হেফাজতে নির্যাতনের কারণে আনোয়ার হোসেন ও গোলাম রব্বানী নামক দুইজন গ্রেফতারকৃত আসামীর কথিত মৃত্যুর অভিযোগের ঘটনায় ফ্রান্স ভিত্তিক মানবাধিকার প্রতিষ্ঠান জাস্টিসমেকার্স বাংলাদেশ ইন ফ্রান্স (জেএমবিএফ) গভীর উদ্বেগ প্রকাশ করেছে।

জেএমবিএফ বিচারিক ম্যাজিস্ট্রেটের নেতৃত্বে একটি তদন্ত কমিটি গঠন করে নিরপক্ষে তদন্তের মাধ্যমে উল্লেখিত মানবাধিকারের চরম লঙ্ঘনজনিত ঘটনার সাথে জড়িত ব্যক্তিদের খুজে বের করে দ্রুত স্বচ্ছ বিচারের মাধ্যমে অভিযুক্তদের দৃষ্টান্তমূলক শাস্তি প্রদানের জোড় দাবি করেছে।

বাংলাদেশে প্রকাশিত একাধিক সংবাদ মাধ্যম সূত্রে জানা গেছে, জামালপুর জেলার সরিষাবাড়ী থানাধীন চাপরকোনা গ্রামের আনোয়ার হোসেনকে (৪৫)গত ২৬ ডিসেম্বর বিকেলে চাঁপারকোনা বাজার থেকে একটি মামলায় গ্রেপ্তার করা হয়। সরিষাবাড়ী থানার ভারপ্রাপ্ত কর্মকর্তা (ওসি) মুশফিকুর রহমান জানান, মঙ্গলবার সন্ধ্যায় আনোয়ারকে থানায় আনার পর অসুস্থ হয়ে পড়ে। মধ্যরাত ১টার দিকে সরিষাবাড়ী উপজেলা স্বাস্থ্য কমপ্লেক্সে নেওয়ার পথে তার মৃত্যু হয়। পরে জামালপুর জেনারেল হাসপাতালে ময়নাতদন্ত শেষে তার লাশ পরিবারের কাছে হস্তান্তর করে পুলিশ।

STATEMENT: JMBF Calls for Justice and Accountability for the Alleged Two Deaths Due to Torture under Police Custody in Jamalpur & Habiganj

Paris, France; December 28, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is gravely concerned and outraged over the alleged death of Anwar Hossain and Golam Rabbani due to torture in police custody at Sarishabari Police Station under Jamalpur district and Baniachang Police Station under Habiganj district in Bangladesh, on December 26, 2023.

JMBF demands exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in the alleged gross human rights violation, investigating by forming an inquiry committee led by a judicial magistrate to ensure the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings.

Multiple news sources reported that Anwar Hossain (45) of village Chaparkona under Sarishabari police station in Jamalpur district was arrested on December 26 in the afternoon in connection with a case filed on December 25 for locking into an altercation with one Firoz Mia in Chaparkona market on December 10. Mushfiqur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sarishabari police station, said Anwar fell ill after being brought to the police station on Tuesday evening. He died while being taken to Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex around 1 am. Mehedi Hasan, the duty doctor of Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex, said Anwar was brought dead to the hospital. An ECG was also performed to confirm his death. Police later handed over his dead body to his family after the completion of the autopsy by Jamalpur General Hospital. However, the deceased’s family claimed that Anwar died due to torture in custody. Anwar's wife, Alpana Begum, said that her husband was completely sound when he was picked up by the police, and her husband was killed due to torture by police in Sarishabari police station. His sister, Nurjahan Begum, demanded justice for the killing of her brother. Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Sohel Rana, the investigating officer of the case, denied the family’s torture and murder allegations.

Statement: JMBF Calls for Justice for the Death of Nurul Islam Due to Alleged Police Torture in Narayangan

Paris, France; October 7, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Nurul Islam (55), a poultry businessman, due to alleged torture by plainclothes policemen following their raid on his home in Sonargaon, Narayanganj on November 6, 2023.

JMBF urges the formation of an inquiry committee, led by a judicial magistrate, to investigate this incident, ensuring the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings. JMBF also calls for exemplary punishment for the alleged culprits through a fair and transparent trial under the Prohibition of Torture and Death in Custody Law 2013.

Statement: JMBF Calls for Justice and Accountability for the Death of Habibur Rahman due to torture in Police Custody in Bogura

Paris, France; October 06, 2023: JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expresses its deepest concern and outrage over the tragic death of Habibur Rahman Habib due to torture in police custody in Bogura, Bangladesh, on October 3, 2023.

JMBF states that Habib's death in police custody has cast a dark shadow on the state of human rights and the rule of law in the country. It calls for the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate this incident, led by a judicial magistrate, to ensure the highest levels of integrity and transparency in the proceedings.

Multiple news sources reported that Habibur Rahman Habib, a lawyer’s assistant to the Bogura Judge Court, suffered torture during his time in police custody and was taken to the hospital only after he had passed away. He was taken from the court premises in the afternoon of October 3, around 5:45 pm, without a warrant or any FIR, and subjected to alleged torture at the DB police office, ultimately leading to his untimely demise.