Custodial Deaths Raise Alarm as 39 Die in 3 Months: HRSS

A quarterly report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has revealed that 39 inmates died in prisons across Bangladesh during the first quarter of 2026.

The report states that among the deceased, 16 were convicted prisoners and 23 were undertrial detainees. Of the total, 12 were leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League and its associate bodies, while the remaining 27 were general inmates.

HRSS prepared the January–March 2026 report based on its own investigations as well as information gathered from 16 national media outlets.

Among the reported cases, Proloy Chaki, a 60-year-old cultural affairs secretary of the Awami League in Pabna and a singer, died in custody on January 12. His family alleged that he did not receive adequate medical treatment. Former water resources minister Ramesh Chandra Sen also died on February 7 after falling ill in jail. He was later declared dead at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. He had been detained in Dinajpur District Jail since his arrest on August 16, 2024, in connection with three cases.

The report also highlighted incidents of mob violence, stating that at least 49 people were killed in 88 incidents during the three-month period. Specific cases included a man beaten to death in Magura on January 7 over suspected cattle theft, another killed in Pabna on January 13, two individuals killed in Gaibandha on February 20 over alleged robbery, and two more in Munshiganj on March 4 after being tied to a tree and beaten over theft allegations.

HRSS described the January–March period as a critical time marked by political transition and concerns over the human rights situation in Bangladesh. It noted that the parliamentary election held on February 12 under the interim government and the swearing-in of the new government on February 17 created an opportunity for political continuity. However, violence before and after the elections contributed to widespread insecurity.

According to the report, at least 36 people were killed and 4,078 injured in 610 incidents of political violence during this period. Among the dead, 28 were members of the BNP. The report added that 94 percent of these incidents were linked to internal conflicts within the BNP and clashes involving activists of other political parties.

In terms of election-related violence, at least 12 people were killed and 2,573 injured in 395 incidents surrounding the 13th parliamentary elections.

On press freedom, the report documented that 183 journalists faced harassment in 82 incidents. It also noted that eight journalists were charged under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. In total, 34 individuals were accused in seven cases under the same law, with four arrests made. Additionally, two individuals were detained over what authorities described as “objectionable” Facebook posts about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In incidents involving criticism of other political figures, one person was killed, one injured, one detained, and four cases were filed.

Violence against women and children remained a major concern. The report stated that 670 women and girls were subjected to violence during the three-month period. Among them, 147 were victims of rape, with 52 percent being children and adolescents. Nine victims were killed after being raped. Furthermore, 328 children faced violence, including 138 who were killed.

The report also highlighted attacks on minority communities, noting that at least 31 people were injured in 27 incidents. There were also reports of vandalism involving four temples, two idols, and 19 houses, along with three incidents of land grabbing and 10 cases of property damage.

Legal actions during the period included at least 76 cases filed against leaders and activists of the Awami League, BNP, and Jamaat, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. More than 21,000 individuals were accused in these cases. Nearly 6,000 people were arrested in joint force operations, most of whom were leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League.

Regarding border incidents, the report stated that one person was killed and 11 others were injured in attacks by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). It also mentioned that nine-year-old Huzaifa Afnan, who was injured in cross-border firing from Myanmar, later died while undergoing treatment.

HRSS expressed concern over the cancellation of several key ordinances introduced during the interim government. These included laws related to referendums, Supreme Court judge appointments, the establishment of an independent secretariat, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the National Human Rights Commission, and measures to prevent enforced disappearances.

The organization called for coordinated efforts to strengthen the rule of law and uphold constitutional rights. It warned that unless mob violence, political tensions, and restrictions on freedom of expression are effectively addressed, the human rights situation in Bangladesh may further deteriorate.