‘I want those who orphaned my daughters to be punished’
Local residents also demanded a thorough investigation into the death and punishment for those responsible
Locals of Cumilla's Italla village, along with family members of Jubodal leader Touhidul Islam, formed a human chain today, demanding justice for the Jubodal leader who died after allegedly being taken into custody by the army.
The human chain protest was held in front of the Cumilla Press Club this afternoon (1 February), following an earlier protest in the area.
Speaking at the protest, Touhidul's wife Yasmin Nahar, said, "My husband did not commit any crime. The army took him away without any offence. Then my husband was killed by inhuman torture. I want justice for the murder of my husband. I want punishment for those who orphaned my daughters."
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Tasfia Akhter, eldest daughter of Touhidul, said, "Whom will we call father now? My father was a gentleman. My beloved father was tortured and killed. We four sisters have become orphans. We want punishment for the murderers."
Read More: Army withdraws camp commander, pledges punishment over death of Jubodal leader in custody
Locals alleged that around 2:30am on Thursday, army vehicles and a private car arrived and picked up Touhidul, claiming he possessed weapons. His family learned of his death later that day and found his body at Cumilla Medical College Hospital with severe injuries.
The local residents demanded a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible.
Touhidul was the son of Mokhlesur Rahman and the convener of the union Jubodal.
Police have filed a case of unnatural death with Kotwali Model Police Station.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Army immediately withdrew the commander of the concerned camp and pledged to take legal action against those found guilty as per military laws.
In a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) today, the Army said necessary steps have been taken to properly investigate this unfortunate and tragic incident.
Another statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing said the interim government absolutely condemns any form of custodial torture and murder, and has ordered an urgent investigation into the death.
Meanwhile, human rights organisations have condemned the killing of the Jubodal leader.
In a statement today, the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) said such incidents are a clear violation of human rights.
Demanding action against those involved in the incident and preventing the recurrence of such incidents in the future, the HRSS said compensation must be provided to the victim's family.
The International Human Rights Commission's (IHRC) Bangladesh Chapter also expressed concern over the killing.
In a statement, the organisation called for the formation of a joint investigation committee of the army, government and police to gather accurate information and ensure speedy trial of the culprits.
