Part 2 The internal prison crisis in Bangladesh and the prolonged detention of political opponents without trial have now drawn severe reactions at the international level. In a detailed report released recently, global human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed grave concern, stating that among thousands of opposition activists, more than a hundred individuals have been detained for months without any specific charges or indictments. A significant portion of them are elderly and suffering from complex health conditions.

Reports from human rights organizations highlight several specific instances. Under the legal provisions of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), individuals cannot be detained without charges for more than a year unless exceptional grounds are shown. However, reality shows that 81-year-old Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, former advisor to the ex-Prime Minister, and 75-year-old former Member of Parliament Kamal Ahmed Majumder have been incarcerated for 22 months without specific charges. While in prison, Kamal Ahmed Majumder lost three toes to gangrene and later suffered serious injury from a fall resulting in fractured bones. Furthermore, prominent citizen Shahriar Kabir and former minister Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury remain seriously ill, yet their bail applications are consistently rejected.

Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, made it clear that pre-trial detention should never be the default rule; it ought to apply only in exceptional circumstances.

According to available data, at least 10 political figures have died in custody since February 2026. The practice of re-arresting individuals under new cases immediately after securing bail has raised major questions in the international arena regarding the transparency of the judicial system. Experts believe these reports—published just ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session—could place Bangladesh under intense pressure within international diplomatic circles.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla