A human rights organization, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), has called for an impartial and independent probe into the alleged death of a young man while in custody during a joint-forces operation in Madaripur. The group expressed deep concern and strong disapproval over the reported demise of Russel Kazi, 29 years old, who was apprehended during the operation in Madaripur. ASK also highlighted the reported mistreatment of Imtiaz Hossain Rocky at the Mirpur Darus Salam army camp in Dhaka on February 9.
According to media reports and sources close to the family, Russel was taken into custody during a joint forces’ operation in Kalkini upazila of Madaripur on February 7 and succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted during the operation the following day.
The rights organization pointed out another incident on February 9 involving Imtiaz Hossain Rocky, the brother of Ishtiaq Hossain Jonny who died in police custody at Pallabi Police Station in 2014. Rocky, who is the complainant in Jonny’s murder case, along with his family, claimed that army personnel entered his residence at 3:10 am on February 9, detained him, conducted a search, and then transported him to a nearby army camp.
ASK’s statement revealed that Rocky was coerced to pose beside an illegal weapon and photographed at the army camp. He was allegedly warned of severe consequences if he protested or took any action and was forced to sign a document without being allowed to read its contents.
The organization believes that these incidents violate the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Bangladesh, the Torture and Custodial Death (Prohibition) Act of 2013, the Penal Code, and the United Nations Convention Against Torture. ASK has urged for necessary actions to ensure the well-being and security of the victims and their families in response to these distressing events.
