Yunus orders probe into death of Jubo Dal leader after security forces detention

The interim government “absolutely condemns any form of custodial torture and murder”, the CAO says

Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor to the interim government, has ordered an “urgent investigation” into the death of Touhidul Islam, a Jubo Dal leader from Cumilla, who allegedly died from injuries inflicted by security forces after they apprehended him.

The interim government “absolutely condemns any form of custodial torture and murder”, the Chief Advisor’s Office said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement said, “Police brought a young person, Touhidul Islam, to hospital in Cumilla late last night with injuries allegedly inflicted by security forces after they apprehended him from his house early on Friday morning based on complaints.”

Upholding human rights is a core mission of the government, the statement said, noting that some of Bangladesh’s top rights activists are part of the administration.

It also noted that the commission has set up several commissions to reform the criminal justice system, most of which had submitted their reports. The statement reiterated the interim government’s commitment to these reforms.

“The interim government will hold meaningful dialogue with the political parties over these reports in an effort to eradicate every opportunity for human rights abuses in police interrogation, crime management, and judicial procedure,” the press release said.

Touhidul’s family claims he was detained by joint forces personnel. He died at Cumilla Medical College Hospital on Friday afternoon, according to Mahinul Islam, chief of Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station.

Touhidul hailed from Italla village in Cumilla Sadar Upazila and was the convener of the Panchthbi Union Jubo Dal.

ARMY OFFICIAL WITHDRAWN

An Army official has been withdrawn following Touhidul’s death, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations, or ISPR.

The ISPR said that 40-year-old Touhidul was detained in a security force raid in Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila around 3am on Jan 31 based on a specific complaint.

“He died at 12:30pm at Cumilla Medical College Hospital that same day.”

The ISPR said that the incident was unexpected and unfortunate and that appropriate steps have been taken to investigate it.

"The commander of the said army camp has been immediately withdrawn. In addition, a high-level investigation committee has been formed to find the exact cause of death."

Appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone found to be at fault in the investigation as per military law, the statement said.