Human rights organisation Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has expressed deep concern over the death of a Chhatra League activist in Detective Branch custody in Faridpur and the recovery of three bodies from the Turag River in Dhaka over three days, calling the incidents alarming for public security and the rule of law.
In a statement, the organisation said both incidents have raised serious questions about human rights protection and the transparency of law enforcement agencies.
The death of the Chhatra League activist in DB custody in Faridpur is particularly concerning, HRSS said, emphasising that ensuring the life and safety of any individual in state custody is a constitutional and legal responsibility of law enforcement agencies.
“Every custodial death is directly linked to questions of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” the organisation stated.
HRSS demanded a neutral, transparent, effective, and credible investigation to uncover the real cause of death and take legal action against those responsible.
The recovery of three bodies from the Turag River within a short span of time is equally alarming, HRSS said, adding that it must be determined quickly whether criminal activities, disappearances, planned killings, or any other human rights violations are involved.
The organisation also called for restoring public confidence by disclosing accurate and reliable information in a timely manner regarding the identities of the deceased, the causes of death, and the progress of the investigation.
HRSS stressed that every unnatural death – especially custodial deaths or the mysterious recovery of multiple bodies – requires prompt, independent, impartial, and effective investigation in accordance with international human rights standards, free from any influence or bias, ensuring victims’ families’ right to justice.
The organisation called upon the government, law enforcement agencies, and judicial authorities to ensure fair and transparent investigations into both incidents, uncover the truth, bring the guilty to justice, and take effective measures to prevent recurrence.
