Reports indicate that Sohrab Hossain, 35, and Shafiqul Islam, 45, were subjected to severe torture during a law enforcement operation in the early hours of September 10, 2024. Both men later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Gaibandha General Hospital and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura, respectively. Such inhumane treatment constitutes a gross violation of human rights, justice, and the principles of due process.
In addition, three other individuals—Mosharraf Hossain, Saghata Union Awami League President, Shahadat Hossain, and Reazul Islam—are currently receiving treatment for serious injuries inflicted during the same raid, while under police custody.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “Despite the Interim Government’s promises to uphold human rights in Bangladesh, we continue to witness alleged acts of torture by law enforcement agencies targeting opposition activists, reflecting the abuses of previous administrations without visible change. We urge the Bangladeshi government to end all forms of torture, and law enforcement agencies must be held accountable for their actions.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, condemned the incident, saying, “The torture and deaths of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam are an unacceptable reminder of the unchecked power exercised by certain elements within our law enforcement agencies under the Interim Government led by Nobel laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus. Such brutality tarnishes the image of our legal system, undermines public confidence, and threatens the safety and dignity of every citizen.”
JMBF firmly believes that these deaths due to torture represent severe violations of human rights. The use of excessive force in this incident is not only unlawful but also constitutes a serious breach of the trust that citizens place in the institutions meant to protect them. Any form of violence or abuse of power must be unequivocally condemned and cannot be tolerated.
Fact in Brief:
According to news published in various newspapers in Bangladesh, JMBF learned that Sohrab Hossain, 35, and Shafiqul Islam, 45, of Gobindi village in Saghata Union under Saghata Upazila of Gaibandha district, were allegedly tortured to death during a raid by law enforcement agencies in the early hours of Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
They died while undergoing treatment in two separate hospitals after being brutally tortured by the law enforcement agencies. Additionally, three others who sustained injuries during the raid are also undergoing treatment at hospitals.
Sohrab died on September 10 at noon at Gaibandha General Hospital, while Shafiqul Islam passed away at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura on the morning of September 10 while undergoing treatment.
The injured individuals receiving treatment under police custody at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital are Saghata Union Awami League President and Union Parishad Chairman Mosharraf Hossain, 55; Shahadat Hossain, 28, of Banshhata village; and Reazul Islam, 28, of Satalia village. Reazul is the driver of Awami League leader Mosharraf Hossain.
Md. Sujauddoula, the uncle of injured victim Sohrab Hossain, said that he saw from the second floor, around 12:00–12:30 am on Tuesday, September 10, some 8–10 police vehicles surrounding their house. Suddenly, they knocked on the main door, asking for his nephew, the UP chairman. When the gate was opened, they beat the UP chairman’s driver, Reazul Islam, and housemaid Shafiqul. Later, they found the chairman and beat him on the second floor.
Afterward, the police took Reazul and Shafiqul to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital. They took the other three individuals—Mosharraf Hossain, Sohrab Hossain, and Shahadat Hossain—to Gaibandha General Hospital.
In light of these events, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France demands the following:
1. Immediate, Transparent, and Impartial Investigation: A high-level, independent investigation must be initiated immediately to uncover the full truth behind the deaths of Sohrab Hossain and Shafiqul Islam. Those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their rank or position.
2. Accountability and Justice: Any individuals found responsible for committing acts of torture, excessive force, or abuse of power must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. There can be no place for impunity in our legal system.
3. Medical and Legal Support for the Injured Victims: The three individuals currently receiving treatment under police custody must be provided immediate and unhindered access to proper medical care. Their legal rights must also be respected, including access to legal representation and protection from further harm.
4. Strengthening Oversight of Law Enforcement Agencies: This incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened oversight and reform within law enforcement agencies. Mechanisms must be put in place to prevent future occurrences of police brutality and ensure transparency and accountability in the actions of law enforcement personnel.
5. Financial Compensation: The government should provide financial compensation to the families of the victims and ensure that the injured receive adequate support.
JMBF calls on the government, civil society, and human rights organizations to stand united in demanding justice for the victims of this tragic incident and to ensure that the sanctity of human rights is preserved.
Thank you
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org
Website: www.jmbf.org
============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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