Press Release
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has strongly condemned, protested, and expressed deep concern over the death of Mohammad Tawhidul Islam, the convener of the Jubadal in Panchthubi Union, Comilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila, following his inhumane torture by the joint forces. The organization stated that such incidents are clear violations of human rights. The concerns were raised in a statement signed by HRSS Executive Director Ijazul Islam on Saturday, February 1.
According to the statement, citing media reports, the joint forces (in some accounts, security forces) detained Tawhidul Islam from his home on the night of Thursday, January 30. During the raid, they searched his house and confiscated personal mobile phones. Tawhidul’s family reported that he died on Friday morning, January 31, due to the brutal torture inflicted on him. Doctors and relatives confirmed that his body bore marks of torture on various parts, including his abdomen, chest, back, legs, and neck.
It was further revealed that the deceased youth leader was a resident of Italia village in Panchthubi Union and worked as a shipping agent at Chattogram Port. He had returned home after receiving news of his father Mokhlesur Rahman’s death the previous Sunday. His father’s kulkhan (post-funeral ritual) was scheduled for Friday. Tawhidul’s mother had passed away nearly 20 years ago, and he is survived by his wife and four daughters.
The HRSS statement added that incidents like the arrest, torture, and subsequent death of Tawhidul Islam without any arrest warrant are not only examples of inhumanity but also blatant violations of the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 3, 5, and 11), and fundamental human rights. Article 35(5) of the Bangladesh Constitution explicitly prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Similar incidents were frequently observed during the regime of the ousted government led by Sheikh Hasina. Such occurrences are as regrettable as they are shameful, even under the interim government following the mass uprising of students and the public.
The HRSS Executive Director demanded action against those involved in the incident and measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. He stated that legal action must be taken against those responsible for the inhumane treatment of Tawhidul Islam, and his family must be compensated. Additionally, the relevant authorities must take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
