61 custodial deaths recorded in six months: ASK

A total of 61 people died in custodial care across various prisons in the country during the first six months of the current year. This figure was revealed in a data compilation by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

According to the organization's data, among those who died between January and June of this year, 37 were under-trial prisoners and 24 were convicted prisoners.

On a divisional basis, the highest number of deaths occurred in the Dhaka division, with a total of 36 fatalities. Among them, 17 were under-trial prisoners and 19 were convicted prisoners.

The second-highest number of deaths was recorded in the Chattogram division, where eight people died, including seven under-trial prisoners and one convicted prisoner.

Five prisoners died each in the Rajshahi and Khulna divisions. In both divisions, four of the deceased were under-trial prisoners and one was a convicted prisoner.

Two prisoners died in the Barishal division and two in the Rangpur division. Both individuals who died in Rangpur were under-trial prisoners.

One under-trial prisoner died in the Sylhet division. Meanwhile, two deaths were recorded in the Mymensingh division, consisting of one under-trial prisoner and one convicted prisoner.

According to ASK's data, out of the total 61 custodial deaths in the six months, 37 were under-trial prisoners, accounting for more than 60 percent of the total fatalities.

ASK stated that the information was compiled from reports published in various national dailies.