Inmates' basic human rights must be protected
The deaths of four pre-trial inmates associated with Awami League, allegedly from heart attacks, within just 29 days while in the custody of Bogura District Jail have understandably raised concerns. According to a report by Samakal, the Bogura district administration has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the deaths after the families of the deceased accused jail authorities of negligence. The four deceased—Shahidul Islam Ratan, 58; Abdul Latif, 67; Shahadat Alam Jhunu, 57; and Abdul Matin Mithu, 65—died on November 11, 25, 26, and December 9, respectively. On Wednesday, another inmate, former Awami League MP Ragebul Ahsan Ripu, also suffered a cardiac arrest before he was transferred to the National Heart Institute in Dhaka.
Bogura jail authorities have attributed the deaths to pre-existing conditions and stress from the new environment. They also insisted that all of the deceased were "seniors", and that they were not "tortured or neglected." However, the fact that the prison's permanent medical officer position remains vacant is telling. A doctor from the civil surgeon's office is usually summoned when an inmate's condition becomes critical. Following those deaths, however, a doctor reportedly visits the prison regularly—a step that should have been standard practice long ago.
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We have, in this column, often emphasised the importance of upholding prisoners' rights, including access to proper medical care. Regardless of the charges or convictions, every prisoner is entitled to adequate healthcare. The responsibility lies squarely with the state to ensure access to medication, timely medical attention, and qualified physicians. Yet, in our overcrowded prison system—housing over 90,000 inmates with only six doctors against 141 sanctioned posts—this right is too often neglected. The issue is being compounded by inadequate security measures, particularly for AL leaders being taken to hospitals for medical tests or court trials. Such shortcomings jeopardise not only the prisoners' health and safety but also the credibility of ongoing legal proceedings after the mass uprising.
If the health of a pre-trial detainee deteriorates due to the subhuman conditions of prisons, it effectively serves as a premature and unjust punishment for someone yet to be proven guilty. We hope the Bogura inquiry committee will deliver its report soon and hold to account those responsible for any negligence. At the same time, we urge the government to undertake systemic reforms—including by addressing issues like overcrowding, insufficient medical staff, and poor infrastructure—to ensure the rights of inmates and prevent further tragedies. A just society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members, including those behind bars.
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