A man was allegedly killed in army custody in Kalikini upazila of Madaripur, with family and relatives of the deceased claiming he died as a result of physical torture.
The deceased is 35-year-old Rasel Kazi, son of Alam Kazi, a resident of Ward No 1, Uttar Undarchar, Sahebrampur union, Kalikini upazila.
According to family and local sources, around 6am on Saturday morning, army personnel from an army camp in Muladi upazila, Barisal district, took Rasel Kazi from his home.
They allege that the man was allegedly tortured after being tied to a jackfruit tree next to the house.
The man’s relatives further alleged that a towel was stuffed into Rasel’s mouth while he was tortured, then dragged towards the house adjacent, where he was subjected to repeated rounds of torture. At one point, Russell fell critically ill, after which he was taken to the Muladi army camp, receiving medical treatment while in army custody.
The family claims that around 1am on the night of the incident, someone identifying themselves as an army officer called to inform them that Rasel had died and told them to come quickly to collect the body. However, the family refused to accept the body and demanded a post-mortem examination.
The relatives also allege that the army officer at that time offered a bribe of Tk 1 lakh taka for burial expenses and a government job for a family member. A mobile recording of a conversation related to this is in the possession of TIMES of Bangladesh.
Family sources revealed that Rasel’s post-mortem was completed on Sunday at the morgue of Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. After the post-mortem, the body was handed over to the family in the afternoon under the supervision of the army and the administration.
In protest, the deceased’s family and local residents held a press conference and a human chain on Sunday afternoon. Those participating included the deceased’s father Alam Kazi, mother Saleha Bibi, brothers Kashem Kazi, Hashem Kazi, Sohag Kazi, along with people from various classes and professions of the area.
Regarding this, Kalikini Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saif Ul Arefin said, “We have heard about the incident. Inquiries are being made.”
Despite multiple attempts to contact officers of the concerned army camp about the incident, they have refused to comment. Similarly, police also declined to comment on the matter.
However, Madaripur Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Alam said, “I have heard about the incident. This is not a case of death during any of our regular operations. Even so, if the victim’s family wants legal assistance, all kinds of legal cooperation will be provided from the administration’s side.”
A tense situation prevails in the area following this incident. The deceased’s family and local residents have demanded a speedy neutral investigation, the publication of the post-mortem report, and exemplary punishment for those involved in the incident.
