A Paris-based international human rights organisation has called for a judicial investigation into the alleged torture and custodial death of Mirza Ishtiaq Ahmed Pranto, a 28-year-old activist of the Awami League's student wing, Chhatra League, who reportedly died on 21 June while receiving treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh. The case has drawn sharp condemnation from Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), which described the incident as a serious human rights violation committed in state custody.

What Allegedly Happened

According to JMBF, citing media reports and sources, a team of 12–13 members of the Detective Branch (DB) of the Bangladesh Police detained Ishtiaq from his residence in the Paschim Gondardiya area of Madhukhali Municipality on the evening of 20 June. He was allegedly beaten in front of his mother at the time of arrest, and when she attempted to intervene, she was reportedly mistreated as well.

DB officers allegedly ransacked the family home under the pretext of a search before taking Ishtiaq to an undisclosed location, according to the rights body. He died the following day, reportedly while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

The Narcotics Case Allegation

Following Ishtiaq's death, the Detective Branch reportedly filed a case against him under the Narcotics Control Act, claiming that 100 grams of cannabis had been recovered from his possession. His mother categorically rejected the allegation, stating that DB officers searched the entire house but did not recover any narcotics or illegal items. The post-mortem filing of such cases against deceased detainees is a pattern the JMBF says it has observed repeatedly in Bangladesh.

Rights Group's Demands

JMBF declared that the incident, if substantiated, would constitute 'a serious abuse of power and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.' The organisation demanded a judicial investigation conducted under the direct observation of international human rights bodies, and urged that those found responsible be prosecuted through a 'prompt, transparent, and exemplary legal process' in accordance with Bangladeshi law.

The group further asserted that Bangladeshi authorities bear full responsibility for the life, safety, and well-being of every individual held in their custody, warning that failure to ensure an independent investigation would 'further entrench the culture of impunity.'

Broader Pattern of Concern

Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, alleged that the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has continued a pattern of 'systematic arbitrary arrests, torture, and custodial deaths' targeting Awami League members and activists — a trend he said was established during the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. 'This trend is deeply alarming. Any death occurring in state custody constitutes a grave violation of human rights,' Islam said. 'Such incidents seriously undermine public confidence in the rule of law and the accountability of law enforcement agencies. These practices must end immediately.'

This comes amid a broader pattern of allegations against Bangladeshi law enforcement, with JMBF noting repeated reports of custodial torture, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and the filing of criminal cases against victims following their death or abuse in custody. The case is being closely watched by diaspora rights groups and could draw wider international scrutiny if a credible investigation is not initiated.