GBUN Strongly Condemns Custodial Deaths of Awami League Leaders, Demands International Probe
Progga News Desk:
The Global Bangladesh Unity Network (GBUN) has expressed deep sorrow, grave concern, and strong condemnation over the custodial deaths of two Awami League leaders in Bangladesh, describing the incidents as serious violations of human rights and calling for an independent, internationally credible investigation.
In a statement, GBUN said that Prolay Chaki, a leader of the Pabna District Awami League and a nationally respected musician and cultural activist, and Humayun Kabir, a leader of the Narayanganj Metropolitan Awami League and Vice President of Ward No. 13 Awami League, died while in state custody. The organization emphasized that the state bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety, medical care, and human dignity of all individuals in custody, asserting that both deaths were entirely preventable.
According to the statement, Prolay Chaki, who suffered from severe heart disease, was denied adequate and timely medical treatment while in detention. GBUN also alleged that his family was not promptly informed when his condition became critical. In a similar case, Humayun Kabir fell seriously ill while detained at Narayanganj District Jail and later died during medical treatment, raising serious concerns about delayed response and systemic negligence in prison healthcare.
GBUN stated that any death in state custody constitutes not merely an administrative failure but a grave human rights violation that demands full state accountability. The organization noted that these incidents violate the Constitution of Bangladesh as well as the country’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).
The organization further warned that repeated custodial deaths in politically sensitive cases point to a broader and structural human rights crisis rather than isolated incidents.
GBUN’s Key Demands Include:
•An independent, impartial, and credible investigation into the deaths of Prolay Chaki and Humayun Kabir.
•Legal accountability for prison authorities, medical personnel, and responsible officials.
•Immediate enforcement of mandatory emergency medical protocols for detainees.
•Comprehensive reform of prison healthcare services and oversight mechanisms.
•State compensation, rehabilitation support, and a public apology to the victims’ families.
•Establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms in line with OPCAT standards.
GBUN also called upon the United Nations, relevant UN Special Rapporteurs, international human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and global civil society to closely and continuously monitor custodial conditions in Bangladesh. The organization urged the use of all available diplomatic, legal, and institutional mechanisms to pressure the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure transparency, independent investigations, accountability, and justice.
The statement stressed that silence and inaction in the face of custodial deaths only embolden abuse and deepen the culture of impunity. Justice in such cases, GBUN said, is not a matter of political convenience but an urgent legal, moral, and humanitarian obligation.
Reaffirming its commitment, GBUN pledged to stand with the victims’ families and to continue sustained national and international advocacy until truth, justice, accountability, and meaningful reforms are fully achieved.
Signed:
Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton
Foyez Khan Touhid
Date: January 14, 2026
Global Bangladesh Unity Network (GBUN)
