June 18, 2025 4:35 am
Full News

Alarming Pattern of Deaths: Awami League Leaders Perish in Custody Under Interim Government

The recent deaths of Awami League (AL) leaders in police custody have sparked outrage across Bangladesh, raising concerns over the interim government’s treatment of opposition political figures. Critics argue that the government’s actions reflect a deliberate strategy to suppress the AL, undermining democratic principles and perpetuating an authoritarian rule.

In a grim development, Bogura district Awami League Organising Secretary Shahadat Alam Jhunu passed away yesterday while in jail custody. Jhunu, a respected figure and former principal of Police Lines School and College in Bogura, was arrested on August 24 on charges of murder, vandalism, and possessing explosives. These charges, like many others against AL leaders, were filed following the July protests, raising suspicions of politically motivated persecution.

Jail authorities reported that Jhunu suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while in the jail hospital. Despite being transferred to Bogura Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) and later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, he succumbed to his condition en route in Sirajganj.

Jhunu’s death marks the third such incident in November alone. On November 25, Abdul Latif, the Shibganj upazila AL treasurer, also died while in custody. Latif fell ill two days prior and passed away while undergoing treatment at SZMCH. Earlier, on November 11, Shahidul Islam, a ward-level general secretary of the Awami League in Bogura town, met a similar fate.

While jail authorities, including Bogura Jail Superintendent Faruk Ahmed, attribute these deaths to pre-existing health conditions, critics question the credibility of such claims. “They came here with various diseases. We tried to provide them with better treatment,” Faruk said, downplaying the systemic issues surrounding these deaths.

A local AL leader, speaking anonymously, called the deaths “mysterious” and accused jail authorities of negligence. “Three AL leaders have died in jail custody within two weeks. This cannot be a coincidence. It reflects a deeper malaise within the system,” he said.

A Broader Suppression of Democracy?

The deaths of these leaders are symptomatic of what many describe as the interim government’s broader assault on democracy. Thousands of AL leaders and activists are reportedly facing fabricated charges, including murder and terrorism. Critics allege that these cases are tools of political repression, designed to incapacitate the party and erode its influence ahead of future elections.

Under this regime, political dissent appears to be criminalized, with opposition figures facing relentless harassment. The deaths of prominent leaders in custody only underscore the deteriorating state of human rights in the country.

Bangladesh’s democratic institutions have long been under strain, but the current interim government’s actions suggest a deliberate effort to cement authoritarian control. By targeting the Awami League—a party with deep roots in Bangladesh’s liberation history—the government seeks to dominate the political landscape unchallenged.

Call for Accountability

These incidents demand urgent attention from both national and international stakeholders. The deaths of AL leaders in custody highlight not only the immediate failures of prison management but also the broader erosion of democratic norms in Bangladesh.

Human rights organizations, political activists, and the global community must pressure the interim government to ensure accountability and restore democratic processes. Without systemic reforms, the cycle of oppression and injustice threatens to further destabilize the nation, leaving Bangladesh’s democracy hanging by a thread.

The question remains: how many more must perish in the fight for political freedom before justice prevails?

Related News
Back at SpaceX, Musk Refocuses on Mars Mission, Calls DOGE Washington’s ‘Whipping Boy
Suspected Marburg Virus Outbreak in Tanzania: WHO Issues Alert
Hindu Solidarity Rally in Milpitas Highlights Attacks on Hindus in Canada and Bangladesh
Iran Hopes for Realistic Steps from Trump
China’s Warplane Debut Over Kashmir Stirs Regional Tensions and Global Concern
India, Co-Host of Paris AI Summit, Lacks Specific AI Regulation Despite Personal Data Law
Related Posts
Latin American Countries to Launch Own AI Model in September
Beyond Nukes: Can Israel Overthrow Khamenei?
India and Canada to Restore Diplomatic Ties after G7 Meeting in Kananaskis
Iran’s Supreme Leader Declares War
EU Moves Toward Full Ban on Russian Oil and Gas as Ukraine War Continues
Trump Extends TikTok Deadline Once Again, Allowing App to Stay in the US
More News

Bangladesh Army Will Not Engage in Activities That Threaten National Security

The Voice News: Colonel Md. Shafiqul Islam stated that the Bangladesh Army will not be involved in any activities that pose a threat to national security. He made this statement during a press briefing at Army Headquarters on Monday in response to a journalist’s question regarding the corridor issue. He emphasized, “The army remains uncompromising […]

Apple Airlifts 1.5 Million iPhones from India to Beat Trump Tariffs

Tech giant Apple has chartered cargo flights to transport 600 tonnes of iPhones—approximately 1.5 million units—from India to the United States. This strategic move comes as Apple ramps up production in India to mitigate the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which have significantly raised costs on imports from China.The tariffs on Chinese imports, […]

7 Dead in Helicopter Crash Near Kedarnath: Fifth Such Incident in Six Weeks

The Voice News: In a tragic incident early this morning, an Aryan Aviation helicopter carrying seven people crashed between Gaurikund and Sonprayag in Uttarakhand, killing all on board. The chopper, en route from Kedarnath Dham to Guptkashi, went down around 5:20 AM amid deteriorating weather conditions.According to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the […]

UK issues travel warning to Bangladesh

The United Kingdom has warned its citizens of the risk of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh. The British Foreign Office issued the warning on Tuesday (December 3) in its travel advisory to its citizens to Bangladesh. The updated travel warning said indiscriminate terrorist attacks could be carried out. The attacks may take place in crowded areas, […]

Sacha Baron Cohen’s New Comedy Script Shopped to Distributors

Sacha Baron Cohen’s upcoming untitled comedy is currently being quietly shopped to distributors. Originally set to be released by Universal Pictures, the film has hit a few roadblocks. Sources reveal that the project was delayed due to the year-long strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA, and now Baron Cohen is eager to see it released […]

Cyclone Chido Devastates French Territory Mayotte: Death Toll Could Reach Hundreds

Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, has left devastation in its wake, with fears that the death toll could climb to “several hundred,” according to local authorities. Speaking to Mayotte La 1ere, Prefect Francois-Xavier Bieuville warned the final toll might be in the thousands, though an exact number remains […]

What Happened in Asia in 2024

The year 2024 was marked as a revolutionary and tumultuous period in the global arena. Almost every continent witnessed political shifts and social upheavals, carrying the message of change from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe to the United States. Below are the notable events from 2024: Ongoing Political Crisis in South Korea: South Korea, […]

Bangladesh to Lodge Formal Protest with India Over Alleged ‘Illegal Push-Ins’ at Border 

June 5, 2025 The Government of Bangladesh is preparing to send a formal diplomatic note to India, expressing strong objections to what it terms as “illegal push-ins” of individuals across the shared border. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain stated that Indian authorities have been forcibly returning individuals labeled as foreigners into Bangladeshi territory without […]

Best New Artist Grammy Winner Chappell Roan Criticizes Music Industry

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan took home the coveted award for Best New Artist and used her acceptance speech to address an issue close to her heart: the treatment of developing artists within the music industry. Roan, who was presented with the award by 2024’s winner Victoria Monet, thanked her fellow nominees, acknowledging […]

Snow White Opens Strong with $16M, Alto Knights Struggles

Disney’s Snow White, the highly anticipated live-action musical, has had a solid start at the box office, earning $16 million on its opening day, which includes both Friday and preview screenings across 4,200 theaters. The film, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is on track to earn over $45 million in its opening weekend, placing […]