The continuation of custodial deaths in Bangladesh is a deeply troubling reminder that changing governments alone does not automatically change the culture within state institutions.
Despite public demands for accountability, justice, and an end to abuse of power, reports of deaths in police and prison custody show that a long-standing pattern remains unresolved.
According to human rights organization Odhikar, 29 custodial deaths were recorded under the interim government after the political transition, followed by two more under the current government between February and June 2026.
The very idea of custodial death is unacceptable in any democratic society: When a person is in state custody, the government carries the responsibility of ensuring their safety and protecting their fundamental rights. A death in custody represents a failure of the institutions entrusted with maintaining law and order.
The persistence of such a practice is particularly alarming after the sacrifices and demands of the July uprising -- a historic movement against abuse of power -- and allowing custodial abuse to persist risks damaging public trust in law enforcement and undermining the very reforms that people hoped would follow.
Ending this culture requires rigorous efforts. First and foremost, every custodial death must be investigated by an independent body with full access to evidence. Investigations cannot remain within the same institutions accused of wrongdoing.
The government must also ensure strict enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013. Delays in justice encourage impunity, so cases involving custodial abuse must be handled through swift and transparent legal processes.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies need structural reforms, including improved training, stronger oversight mechanisms, and accountability for officers responsible for violations.
A culture where abuse is tolerated can only end when perpetrators face real consequences, and Bangladesh cannot claim meaningful reform while citizens continue to die in state custody.
There is no place for this kind of abuse in the new Bangladesh.
