Staff Reporter :
In a disturbing revelation, the Manobadhikar Sangskriti Foundation (MSF), a prominent Human Rights Organization, disclosed in its monthly report that 19 individuals lost their lives in Bangladeshi jails during February of this year.
This statistic mirrors the grim toll recorded in the preceding month of January, intensifying concerns over the state of correctional facilities in the country.
MSF, recognised for its commitment to safeguarding human rights, issues a monthly report that meticulously details the human rights situation in Bangladesh. Drawing on information disseminated by various daily newspapers, the report also underscores the crucial role of local human rights workers in verifying each incident of human rights violation.
The report, unveiled on Thursday, encompasses incidents that transpired from February 1 to February 29. Shockingly, the MSF report indicates that one person each lost their life in various central prisons and district jails across the country.
The list includes Keraniganj and Dhaka central prisons, Gazipur’s Tangi Shishu Unnayan Kendra, Jashore Central Prison, Chittagong Central Prison, Rangpur Central Prison, Bogura District Jail, Chapainawabganj District Jail, Narayanganj Central Jail, Noakhali District Jail, Chuadanga District Jail, Naogaon District Jail, Jhenaidah District Jail, and Moulvibazar District Jail.
Of particular concern is the detailed account of specific cases within these facilities. In Chittagong Central Jail, the report highlights the alleged torture-induced death of Rubel, an inmate, according to claims made by his family.
Meanwhile, in Bogura District Jail, the lifeless body of Ikbal Hossen, implicated in a rape case, was discovered.
In an unfortunate incident in Narayanganj, Tushar, the primary suspect in the murder case of journalist Elias Hossen, reportedly took his own life by hanging in an empty ward of Narayanganj District Jail.
The MSF report concludes with a stark call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance healthcare facilities within prisons. Furthermore, the organization advocates for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, pointing out that such measures could pave the way to effectively mitigate crimes within correctional facilities.
