According to reports published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, Afroza Begum was forcibly taken from her home by a police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Silon Ali on the night of June 1, 2023. Despite no incriminating evidence found during the initial search, she was subjected to severe physical abuse. ASI Silon Ali beat her until she fell to the ground and then tortured her further by tying her hair to a fan. The police also demanded a bribe of Tk 2 lakh for her release. When the family could not pay, she was allegedly tortured to death.The police claim that Afroza Begum was arrested with 30 pieces of yaba and that she died of natural causes.
The deceased's son, Sabbir Mollah, a ninth-grader, recounted that a team of police led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Silon Ali of Abhaynagar Police Station arrived at their house on June 1, Saturday, at midnight. His mother went out of their house to bring water from a nearby tube well. A female police constable searched his mother and found nothing. Then ASI Silon beat her up in front of him until she fell to the ground. He then tied her hair to a fan and tortured her brutally.
Sabbir's elder brother, Munna Mollah, said the police team, instigated by some locals, came to their house and detained their mother, falsely accusing her of possessing yaba. Silon and other policemen tortured his mother and then took her away around 1:00 am on Sunday to the police station. The police demanded a bribe of Tk 2 lakh for her release. As the family could not pay the money, the police tortured her to death. They went to the police station on June 2 morning and found their mother in bad condition.
Police took her to the upazila health complex after the family made the request. However, they returned to the police station without conducting the tests suggested by the duty doctor. As her condition deteriorated, she was later taken to Jashore General Hospital, where doctors declared her dead around 11:30 am.
Akikul Islam, the officer-in-charge of the police station, said the police arrested her with 30 pieces of yaba and kept her in the female lock-up overnight. He stated that she fell ill on Sunday morning and died on the way to the hospital, adding that the police did not torture her.
"Despite Article 35 (5) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh prohibiting all kinds of torture and inhuman treatment or behavior, torture and custodial death are widespread in Bangladesh, along with several other kinds of human rights violations. This must be stopped immediately to ensure citizen dignity and integrity," stated Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
In light of these disturbing allegations, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) demands the following:
Immediate Suspension and Arrest of the Involved Officers: We call for the immediate suspension and arrest of Assistant Sub-Inspector Silon Ali and all other officers implicated in the alleged torture and subsequent death of Afroza Begum. This is essential to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
Independent and Impartial Investigation: We urge for an independent and impartial investigation to be conducted promptly. The investigation must be led by a competent authority, free from any influence or bias, to uncover the truth behind Afroza Begum's death.
Accountability and Justice: Those responsible for the torture and death of Afroza Begum must be held accountable for their actions. We demand that they be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law under relevant statutes, including the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013.
Compensation and Support for the Family: The family of Afroza Begum deserves adequate compensation and support to address the trauma and loss they have endured. We urge authorities to provide them with immediate financial assistance and access to necessary psychological counseling services.
Reform in Law Enforcement Practices: This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in law enforcement practices to prevent such atrocities from recurring in the future. We call for the implementation of stringent protocols and oversight mechanisms to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals in police custody.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with Afroza Begum's family and all victims of police brutality. We echo their calls for justice and accountability, and we pledge to continue advocating for human rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
Thank you.
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: shahanur.islam@jmbf.org
Cell/WhatsApp/Signal: +33(0)783952315
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