A human rights organization strongly criticized the reported torture and death of an activist from Awami League’s student wing, Chhatra League, while in the custody of the Detective Branch of the Bangladesh Police in Madhukhali Upazila. The deceased, identified as 28-year-old Mirza Ishtiaq Ahmed Pranto, passed away on June 21 at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
The Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) denounced the incident as a severe human rights violation committed in state custody, going against Bangladesh’s laws and international obligations. They called for a judicial investigation overseen by international human rights bodies and urged for the prosecution of those responsible through a transparent legal process.
According to JMBF, a team of 12–13 Detective Branch members detained Ishtiaq on June 20 from his residence, allegedly beating him in front of his mother during the arrest. Despite the claim of recovering cannabis from his possession, Ishtiaq’s mother denied the allegations, stating that no illegal items were found during the search.
Expressing concern, JMBF highlighted a pattern of custodial torture, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh. The organization emphasized the need for immediate action to end such practices, stressing the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law in the country.
Awami League, Chhatra League, Detective Branch, Bangladesh Police, Faridpur Medical College Hospital, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France, Mirza Ishtiaq Ahmed Pranto, Narcotics Control Act, Muhammad Yunus, Shahanur Islam, Bangladesh Nationalist Party
