Camp commander withdrawn over Jubo Dal leader's custodial death

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has termed the death of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam (45) in Cumilla as "unexpected and regrettable."

In a statement released on Saturday (February 1), the ISPR explained that Touhidul Islam was arrested in a joint forces operation on January 31 based on specific allegations. He died later that day at Cumilla Medical College (CUMEC) Hospital.

Describing the incident as "unexpected and regrettable," the ISPR confirmed that steps have been taken to investigate the matter. The "Camp Commander" at the army camp has been withdrawn, and a high-ranking investigation committee has been formed to determine the exact cause of Touhidul's death. Legal action will be taken against those found responsible, as per army law.

Earlier, after Touhidul Islam was apprehended by the joint forces in Cumilla, his family found his body at the hospital, with his death reported at 12:30 pm on Friday. However, the exact time of his death remains unclear.

His brother, Abul Kalam, and local resident Saiful Islam provided information about the death, which occurred while Touhidul was in the custody of law enforcement agencies.

Touhidul Islam, son of Mokhlesur Rahman from Panchthubi village in Adarsh Sadar upazila of Cumilla, was the convener of the union Jubo Dal and worked in a private organization.

Md. Mohinul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station, said, "As of 10:30pm on Friday, no case had been filed regarding his death."