HRSS calls for impartial probe into Faridpur custodial death, Turag body recoveries

Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has expressed deep concern over the death of a Chhatra League activist while in Detective Branch (DB) custody in Faridpur and the recovery of several bodies from the Turag River in Dhaka within a span of a few days, urging authorities to conduct independent and transparent investigations into both incidents.

In a statement issued to the media on Monday (June 22), HRSS Executive Director Ijajul Islam said the two incidents have raised serious questions about public safety, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

He said ensuring the life and safety of any individual in state custody is a constitutional and legal obligation of law enforcement agencies, making every custodial death a matter of accountability and justice.

The organisation called for a credible, impartial and effective investigation to determine the actual cause of the Faridpur custodial death and to bring those responsible to justice if any wrongdoing is found.

The rights body also described the recent recovery of multiple bodies from the Turag River as alarming, saying investigators must determine without delay whether the deaths were linked to criminal activities, enforced disappearances, planned killings or any other human rights violations.

HRSS further urged the authorities to disclose the identities of the victims, establish the causes of death and regularly update the public on the progress of the investigations to restore public confidence.

The organisation stressed that every unnatural death—particularly custodial deaths and cases involving multiple bodies recovered under suspicious circumstances—requires a prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation in line with international human rights standards.

HRSS also called on the government, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure transparent investigations into both incidents, uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable and take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.