Paris, France; May 26, 2024: France-based human rights organization JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is deeply concerned and outraged over the tragic death of Suraiya Khatun, a 45-year-old woman in the custody of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) allegedly due to torture on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Bhairab, Kishoreganj.
JMBF calls for exemplary punishment for those responsible, in a fair trial according to the Torture and Death in Custody (Prevention) Act 2013, by forming a judicial committee to investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators free from any interference by RAB or other law enforcement agencies involved in the incident.
According to news published in different newspapers in Bangladesh, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) learned that on Thursday evening, May 16, 2024, Suraiya Khatun, her son Taijul Islam, and her husband Azizul Islam were detained by a RAB-14 team from in front of Nandail Police Station in Mymensingh. Azizul was later released, while Suraiya and Taijul were taken to the RAB office in Bhairab, Kishoreganj. The following morning, Friday, May 17, 2024, Suraiya was brought dead to Bhairab Upazila Health Complex, Kishoreganj. Medical officers indicated her death occurred prior to arrival. Major Ashraful Kabir of RAB-14 attributed her death to excessive heat and speculated a heart attack as the cause. However, Suraiya's family vehemently denies this explanation, asserting she was in good health and alleging she died due to torture inflicted by RAB personnel in custody.
Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), Advocate Shahanur Islam, states that despite the complete prohibition of torture in Article 35(5) of the Bangladesh Constitution, there are frequent complaints of torture by law enforcement agencies, including RAB, which is unacceptable and must be stopped.
JMBF urges the state to provide adequate security, necessary physical and psychological integration, and adequate financial compensation to the family of the deceased Suraiya Khatun. This includes protecting the family of Suraiya Khatun, particularly her husband Azizul and her son Taijul, from any retaliation for seeking justice.
JMBF calls for an urgent review of RAB’s practices and procedures concerning the treatment of detainees to ensure human rights and prevent custodial deaths on a priority basis.
JMBF believes that the death of a female in RAB custody is a grave violation of the basic human rights declared by the United Nations and provided for in the Bangladesh Constitution, and torture and custodial deaths have no place in a civilized society. Therefore, Bangladeshi authorities should uphold justice, transparency, and accountability in this matter so that Suraiya’s family receives truth and justice.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the human rights and dignity of all individuals in Bangladesh.
Thank you.
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org
Cell/WhatsApp/Signal: +33(0)7 8395 2315
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