Petition seeks probe into custodial deaths of 13 BNP men
Staff Reporter :
In a significant development, a writ petition was filed with the High Court on Sunday, urging the formation of a committee comprising both domestic and international human rights organizations to investigate the deaths of 13 leaders and activists associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The petition, filed as a public interest litigation by BNP’s Legal Affairs Secretary, Barrister Kayser Kamal, also requested the court to direct the government to provide compensation to the families of the deceased.
The petition raises concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these BNP members, all of which allegedly occurred inside jails over the past six months.
Barrister Kayser Kamal, who submitted the petition, emphasized the need for an impartial inquiry into the matter, highlighting that those who perished in custody were reportedly in good health when initially detained.
The document calls for the High Court to instruct the relevant prison authorities to clarify their positions regarding the deaths within the correctional facilities.
Kayser Kamal, addressing reporters, expressed worry over the unprecedented number of deaths within such a short timeframe and linked the fatalities to the arrest of thousands of individuals involved in movements advocating for democracy and the rule of law.
“Thousands of people have been arrested in the last few months as they ran movements for democracy and the rule of law in the court,” said Kayser Kamal.
“There is no precedent for the deaths of so many people inside the prisons in such a short period of time,” he added.
The petition asserts that a thorough investigation is crucial to uncover any potential human rights violations and to ensure accountability for those responsible.
The Legal Affairs Secretary anticip ates that a hearing for the writ petition will take place once it is included in the court’s cause list.
This development underscores the growing concern over the conditions and treatment of individuals in detention, particularly those associated with political movements.
