ASK, MSF demand probe into Chuadanga BNP leader’s death in custody

Rights bodies Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) have demanded a proper and neutral investigation into the death of a Chuadanga BNP leader while he was in army custody, terming the incident a grave violation of human rights.

Shamsuzzaman Dablu, general secretary of BNP's Jibannagar municipality unit in Chuadanga, died in army custody, triggering protests by party supporters and local residents.

Dablu’s wife, Jesmin Nahar, alleged that army men picked him up and killed him.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), however, said the man fell ill during the drive of a joint force and died after he was taken to the hospital.

The camp commander and all other army personnel concerned have been withdrawn to the cantonment, and a high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the actual cause of the incident, ISPR said.

ASK, in its statement, said the death of a person in custody is not only a tragedy for the victim’s family but also a direct blow to the constitution, the rule of law, and the state’s obligation to protect fundamental human rights.

ASK said Articles 31 and 32 of the constitution guarantee every citizen’s right to life and personal liberty, making it the state’s fundamental responsibility to ensure their protection.

It also referred to the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013, which explicitly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and provides for punishment of those responsible for custodial torture or death.

ASK emphasised that no member of law enforcement or security forces is above the law.

In another statement, the MSF said they believe that the allegation of death due to torture brought against the army during an arms recovery operation is unexpected and unwarranted. It constitutes a grave violation of human rights, and is in no way acceptable, it added.

Any allegation of death in the custody of a law enforcement agency demands a thorough investigation, because ensuring the safety of any person in state custody is a legal responsibility of the law enforcement agencies, it said.

The allegations raised against the army should be taken seriously, and an immediate, impartial, and proper investigation should be ensured, the rights body said.