The Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) has called for a truthful and independent investigation into the dying of a female, Afroza Begum, in police custody in Jessore. BLAST emphasised the need for justice and compensation for her family.
In reaction to the incident, BLAST despatched letters to the National Human Rights Commission Bangladesh, urging thorough investigations to make sure justice. The employer raised concerns approximately potential violations of the regulation and High Court directives throughout Begum’s detention and interrogation at night time. Additionally, BLAST mentioned breaches of Article 35(5) of the Constitution and the UN Convention against Torture.
BLAST has strongly encouraged for the application of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act 2013, calling for a spark off research, justice, safety, and suitable reimbursement for the deceased’s family.
According to media reports, Afroza Begum, a forty-year-vintage resident of Nawapara village in Abhaynagar upazila, Jessore district, became arrested by way of police round 1:30 AM on a Saturday. She was held in custody, and a case become filed against her under the Narcotics Control Act on Sunday morning.
While in custody, Begum fell unwell and turned into taken to Abhaynagar Upazila Health Complex for treatment earlier than being returned to the police station. Later, she fell sick again and changed into taken again to the fitness complex. The attending medical doctor encouraged transferring her to Jessore General Hospital for better treatment. Unfortunately, upon arrival, the emergency department health practitioner declared her dead.
Begum’s elder son, Munna Molla, accused the police of instigating the arrest, planting yaba pills on her, and torturing her. He alleged that officials demanded a bribe of Tk1.8 lakh and later asked for an extra Tk2 lakh. Molla claimed his mom changed into killed due to police torture and demanded justice for her death.