At least 61 inmates died in custody at prisons across Bangladesh during the first six months of 2026, according to data compiled by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
The rights group said that between January and June, 37 of the deceased were undertrial prisoners, while the remaining 24 were convicted inmates. Undertrial detainees accounted for more than 60 percent of all custodial deaths recorded during the period.
Dhaka Division recorded the highest number of custodial deaths, with 36 inmates dying in prison. Of them, 17 were undertrial prisoners and 19 were convicted inmates.
Chattogram Division reported the second-highest number of deaths, with eight inmates losing their lives, including seven undertrial prisoners and one convicted inmate.
Rajshahi and Khulna divisions each recorded five custodial deaths. In both divisions, four of the deceased were undertrial inmates and one was a convicted prisoner.
Barishal and Rangpur divisions each reported two deaths. All of the deaths in Rangpur involved undertrial prisoners.
Sylhet Division recorded the death of one undertrial inmate, while Mymensingh Division reported two deaths—one undertrial prisoner and one convicted inmate.
ASK said the figures were compiled from reports published in various national newspapers and provide an overview of custodial deaths in Bangladesh’s prison system during the first half of the year. The organization did not specify the causes of death in its data compilation.
