Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) on 13 July condemned two recent custodial deaths in Bangladesh, alleging they constitute grave violations of the country's Constitution, domestic law, and binding international human rights obligations. The Paris-based rights body called for an immediate independent judicial inquiry, preferably under the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, with the participation of forensic and human rights experts.

The Two Incidents

Moniruzzaman Monir Matubbar, 40, a leader of the Awami League's youth wing Jubo League, died on 8 July while in custody at Dhaka Central Jail. According to JMBF, his family members and political associates alleged that he had long suffered from chronic cardiovascular disease and diabetes but was denied timely and adequate medical treatment while in state custody, resulting in his death due to medical neglect.

In a separate incident, Rubel Mia, 22, reportedly died on 10 July during police custody at Nikli Police Station in Kishoreganj district. Law enforcement authorities have asserted that his death resulted from suicide, but his family has alleged that he was subjected to torture in custody and that the suicide characterisation was intended to conceal the true circumstances of his death.

What JMBF Alleged

JMBF stated that both cases raise serious concerns over the right to life, the prohibition of torture and cruel or inhuman treatment, the right to health, and the state's duty of care towards persons in custody. The organisation noted that the incidents are not isolated, but reportedly reflect a pattern that critics say has persisted across successive administrations.

Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, said the reports suggest that a pattern seen during the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has continued under the newly constituted Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government, with allegations that Awami League members and supporters have died in prison due to alleged medical neglect and in police custody following alleged torture.

'Every death occurring in state custody demands the highest level of judicial scrutiny because the state exercises exclusive control over the life and well-being of persons deprived of their liberty,' Islam said. He added that allegations of deaths due to torture or denial of adequate medical care, if left uninvestigated and unpunished, 'undermine the rule of law, erode public confidence in the administration of justice, and foster a climate of impunity.'

Key Demands

JMBF called on the Government of Bangladesh to establish, without delay, an independent, impartial, transparent, and effective judicial inquiry in accordance with international standards governing the investigation of potentially unlawful deaths. The body reiterated that effective investigation of every custodial death, prosecution of those responsible, and provision of effective remedies to victims are indispensable to upholding the rule of law.

Broader Context

The two deaths come amid ongoing concerns about custodial conditions in Bangladesh following a period of political transition. Critics argue that accountability mechanisms for deaths in state custody remain weak, and that the absence of independent oversight has historically enabled impunity. This is not the first time JMBF has raised alarms over the treatment of political detainees in Bangladesh; the organisation has previously flagged similar concerns under earlier administrations. Whether the BNP-led government responds to the call for a Supreme Court-led inquiry is likely to be closely watched by international human rights bodies.