Two incidents in Chittagong and Narsingdi involving the deaths of Awami League-affiliated leaders have raised concerns of political repression and targeted violence under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. In Chittagong, 70-year-old Abdur Rahman Mia, a prominent Awami League leader, passed away in prison after being held for nearly three months without bail or proper medical care. His family claimed he was suffering from advanced lung cancer and other serious health issues.
Abdur Rahman Mia was arrested on November 17, 2025, while leaving his home for prayers, despite his deteriorating health condition. He was detained in connection with a case related to explosives, and despite his urgent need for medical attention, he was not hospitalized. His health worsened during his three-month custody, leading to his death, prompting criticism from Awami League members over alleged neglect by authorities.
In a separate incident in Narsingdi, the body of Azimul Kader Bhuiyan, a 45-year-old poultry businessman and former Chhatra League leader, was found mutilated in a ditch days after his disappearance. Azimul, known for his grassroots organizing, was not a high-ranking political figure. His disappearance and death have sparked anger among Awami League supporters, who suspect political motives behind the murder.
Allegations have been made by party leaders that Jamaat-e-Islami activists were involved in Azimul’s killing, accusing the interim government of creating an atmosphere of impunity. However, law enforcement has not confirmed any political link and investigations are ongoing. These incidents have heightened concerns about arbitrary arrests, deaths in custody, and targeted violence against Awami League members, prompting calls for impartial investigations to uphold the rule of law.
