Jubo Dal leader’s custodial death draws huge outcry, calls for impartial probe

The death of a Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal leader, Md Touhidul Islam, 40, in security forces' custody in Cumilla has sparked widespread condemnation, with demands for a thorough investigation and justice.

While the Army and the government pledged to punish those responsible, BNP leaders, students, and human rights organisations demanded an impartial investigation and accountability for the perpetrators.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) yesterday, the Army has withdrawn the commander of the camp concerned.

Pledging legal action against those found guilty under military law, the statement said necessary steps have been taken to properly investigate this "unfortunate and tragic incident".

Besides, a high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the exact cause of death, added the statement.

According to the ISPR, at around 3am on Friday, based on specific allegations, a joint forces operation led to the arrest of Touhidul from the Adarsha Sadar Upazila of Cumilla. Later, at around 12:30pm on the same day, he died at Cumilla Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, 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.

The statement said upholding human rights in every sphere of national life is a core mission of this government, which includes some of the top rights activists in the country.

Touhidul was the son of Mokhlesur Rahman and the convener of the union Jubo Dal, youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He left behind a wife and four daughters.

The police have filed a case of "unnatural death" with Kotwali Model Police Station.

'I want those who orphaned my daughters to be punished'

Locals of Cumilla's Italla village, along with family members of Touhidul Islam, formed a human chain yesterday, demanding justice for Touhidul.

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."  

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."

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.  

BNP demands justice 

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has demanded justice over the incident. In a Facebook post, he said, "Jubodal leader Touhidul Islam Hottar Bichar Chai (We demand justice for the murder of Jubodal leader Touhidul Islam)."

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi slammed the interim government over the "extrajudicial killing" of Touhidul, saying that it occurred in the same manner as during the Awami League government.

"Our fears are growing day by day. A Jubo Dal leader, who was picked up in Cumilla, was returned by law enforcers as dead. Why is this happening during Dr Yunus' tenure?" Rizvi said at an event yesterday. 

ASK, Student Movement 

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has called the incident a "violation of human rights and the rule of law", urging an independent judicial probe.

The human rights organisation also demanded justice, compensation for the victim's family, and stronger government action to prevent extrajudicial killings.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement called the incident a "continuation of human rights violations in post-July uprising Bangladesh".  

In a statement, the platform criticised the government's failure to prevent such incidents and urged a thorough, impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable.  

The movement also called for comprehensive law enforcement reforms to end enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, stressing the need for stronger state action to protect public safety.