A high-powered probe committee, set up by the Cabinet Division, has begun their investigation on the death of Sultana Jasmine, a land office employee in Naogaon, who died in RAB custody.
The committee questioned Jasmine's son, brother Sultan Mahmud, uncle Nazmul Haque, her landlord and two more eyewitnesses on Monday afternoon as part of their investigation.
Sultana Jasmine's uncle Nazmul Haque and her brother Sultan Mahmud spoke to journalists at the Circuit House premises after their questioning ended.
Nazmul Haque said they explained in detail what happened to Jasmine from her transfer from Naogaon Hospital to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital up to her burial.
“We have found documents related to monetary transactions, which we have presented to the investigation committee,” he said.
He further added: "We hope that the committee formed by the High Court's directive will conduct an unbiased investigation and submit the report within the stipulated time. We are hopeful of justice if an impartial investigation is carried out."
Jasmine's brother, Sultan Mahmud, said: "My sister was healthy before her arrest. She became ill after being taken into custody by RAB and died while still receiving treatment. I consider RAB responsible for this. I hope the real culprits will be identified."
In compliance with a High Court order, the Cabinet Division formed a high-level probe committee on May 22.
Cabinet Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Mahmudul Hossain Khan was made coordinator of the committee.
Other members of the committee included an additional secretary of the public administration ministry, an additional secretary of the home ministry,
Besides, a senior district and sessions judge, a chief judicial magistrate, a civil surgeon, an additional district magistrate and an additional superintendent of police, all from Naogaon, were the members of the committee.
Earlier on March 22, RAB arrested land office employee Sultana Jasmine in Naogaon after Joint Secretary Enamul Haque, working in the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner's office, filed a complaint.
Enamul Haque alleged that Jasmine and another person named Al Amin hacked his Facebook ID and offered jobs to various people. They scammed money from individuals using this method.
After four hours of the arrest, RAB took Jasmine to Naogaon Sadar Hospital when she fell ill. From there she was sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. She died on March 24 while under treatment.
After her death, it was discovered that Enamul Haque had filed a Digital Security Act (DSA) case at Rajpara police station in Rajshahi on March 23 citing Jasmine and her alleged accomplice Al Amin.
Al Amin was arrested by RAB from Dhaka on March 26.
