Call for Independent Investigation into Deaths of 21 Awami League Leaders and Activists in Custody

The current interim government of Bangladesh must ensure full, transparent, and independent investigations into the reported custodial deaths of at least 21 members of the Awami League since Dr. Muhammad Yunus seized power. The killings, which allegedly occurred inside jails and under police custody—environments that should be among the safest in any civilized society—are a grave violation of both national laws and international human rights standards.

Since August 5, 2024, Awami League activists have reportedly been subjected to targeted violence by paramilitary forces loyal to the de facto regime of Dr. Yunus. Disturbingly, some of the victims were in good health at the time of their arrest but were allegedly tortured in custody, leading to severe health deterioration or death. In many cases, families were not informed about the victims’ condition, nor were proper medical treatments provided despite urgent requests. Several detainees were implicated in questionable or fabricated charges either before or after arrest—raising serious concerns about the use of the judicial system to justify political persecution.

The systematic nature of these deaths within state-controlled facilities bears disturbing resemblance to historic atrocities in Bangladesh, including the 1950 Khapra Ward massacre and the targeted political killings of November 3, 1975.

Under domestic and international law, the state has a legal obligation to protect the rights of detainees, including their right to life, health, and due process. The failure to uphold these responsibilities, and the apparent impunity enjoyed by those responsible, represents a flagrant breach of fundamental human rights.

Despite the dire situation, we remain committed to the pursuit of justice. Every life lost in custody must be accounted for, and those responsible—no matter how powerful—must face legal consequences. The culture of impunity must end.

We call on the international community, human rights organizations, and all defenders of justice to stand with the families of the victims and demand independent investigations into these deaths in custody.

List of the 21 Awami League Leaders and Activists Who Died in Custody:
1. Elahi Sikder (19) – Gopalganj, died 7 Sept 2024
2. Shafiqul Islam (45) – Gaibandha, died 10 Sept 2024
3. Sohrab Hossain Apel (35) – Gaibandha, died 10 Sept 2024
4. Alimuzzaman Chowdhury (58) – Gopalganj, died 14 Oct 2024
5. Shahidul Islam Raton (58) – Bogura, died 11 Nov 2024
6. Abdul Latif (67) – Chapainawabganj, died 25 Nov 2024
7. Principal Shahadat Alam Jhunu (57) – Bogura, died 26 Nov 2024
8. Hazrat Ali (30) – Brahmanbaria, died 6 Dec 2024
9. Abdul Matin Mithu (65) – Bogura, died 9 Dec 2024
10. Ataur Rahman Angur (55) – Sirajganj, died 10 Dec 2024
11. Nitya Sarkar (44) – Manikganj, died 4 Jan 2025
12. Sheikh Zahirul Islam – Gazipur, died 10 Jan 2025
13. Mominur Islam (50) – Nilphamari, died 14 Jan 2025
14. Akhtar Sikder – Khulna, died 9 Feb 2025
15. Abdur Razzak (50) – Dhaka, died 13 Feb 2025
16. Siddiq Hossain Molla (45) – Naogaon, died 18 Feb 2025
17. Zahidul Islam Shipu – Tangail, died 23 Feb 2025
18. Emdadul Haque Bhutto (51) – Bogura, died 11 Mar 2025
19. Sujit Chandra Dey (40) – Kishoreganj, died 2 Apr 2025
20. Riyazul Islam alias Raizul (74) – Sunamganj, died 9 Apr 2025
21. Forjad Hossain Sojib – Chattogram, died 25 Apr 2025

Mohammad Ali Arafat
Member, Central Executive Committee
Bangladesh Awami League
Member of Parliament and Former State Minister for Information