The Bangladesh Awami League has strongly condemned the authorities for denying parole to Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League President Saddam Hasan Jewel, preventing him from attending the funeral of his wife and child. The party described the incident as “extremely inhumane” and “heart-wrenching,” calling it a brutal violation of basic human rights.
In a press release issued to the media on Sunday (January 25), the Awami League expressed deep outrage over the decision, saying that refusing a husband and father the opportunity to bid farewell to his loved ones in their final moments is incompatible with the principles of a civilized state and the rule of law.
The party accused the current government of political vengeance and cruelty, terming the incident a “naked manifestation of state repression.” It said such conduct reflects a vindictive mindset that takes pleasure in human suffering.
“This limitless pain inflicted on Saddam will remain a lasting testimony to the merciless heart of an oppressive ruling class,” the statement said. “It is an example of a time when the state machinery has fallen into the hands of executioners and a monstrous ruling group derives joy from pushing people into grief and misery.”
The Awami League further alleged that depriving a prisoner of such a fundamental humanitarian right for political reasons constitutes a gross violation of international human rights conventions as well as the country’s existing laws. The party also described the incident as a frightening example of a culture of impunity and institutionalized state brutality.
Calling for an immediate end to such “inhuman behavior,” the Awami League urged the authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the protection of prisoners’ human rights in Bangladesh. The party also appealed to the people of the country and international human rights organizations to take note of the incident and raise their voices against what it termed a serious humanitarian and legal breach.
Awami League Accuses Govt of Cruelty Over Funeral Parole Denial
Party calls the decision “inhumane” and a “gross violation of human rights,” accusing the government of political vengeance and state cruelty
An ambulance at a jail gate in Bangladesh, symbolizing the controversy over the denial of parole to a political detainee following a family tragedy.
