The reality of 24-year-old law student Istiak Ahmed Pranto’s death in police custody demands much more than a police probe

Earlier this week, the death of a young man in police custody in Faridpur raised allegations of torture by agitated locals.

On this International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Bangladesh has the chance to lead, not only through words but through action.

When we speak about arbitrary arrest and detention, the discussion usually focuses on holding law enforcement agencies, especially the police, accountable.

The prisons have been overcrowded for quite some time now. The Operation Devil Hunt, launched on February 8, 2025, alone led to at least 86,000 arrests, as per a recent Human Rights Watch report.

According to a recent Odhikar report, 40 people have been victims of extrajudicial killings in the 14 months since the interim government took office in August 2024.

ASK reports 29 deaths in 11 months till November this year

Thousands are punished without conviction and stripped of their dignity in our prisons, compelling the question: who will reform the prison system?

But without political reforms, any change risks being superficial

Custodial torture must cease to exist.

Such sinister and premeditated actions raise grave concerns about whether our law enforcers are scrupulous enough to serve citizens.

On July 13, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court once again upheld the guidelines to stop the arbitrary arrests made by police based on suspicion

Those responsible must pay for their crime

Sultana’s death only re-emphasises just how helpless we are at the hands of law enforcement members.

The police’s heavy-handed approach in dispersing a crowd that was peacefully protesting the price hike of a medical service has appalled citizens.

It is imperative to bring the police under a system of accountability that earns public confidence.

UN human rights chief's visit to Dhaka revealed contrasting expectations on the part of the government and rights groups.

Despite strong laws, why is torture still their go-to practice?

A woman has died in the custody of the Detective Branch (DB) of police hours after being picked up in Gazipur last night.

Police yesterday urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take measures for amending the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act so that accused policemen can get bail.