Outrage after dying Sheikh Hasina's aide handcuffed to hospital bed
What's the story
The Muhammad Yunus-led government in Bangladesh is facing criticism over alleged human rights abuses following the death of former Awami League leader Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun. The 75-year-old, who served as Industries Minister under Sheikh Hasina's administration, died while being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After his death, images of Humayun handcuffed to a hospital bed have gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among human rights activists and legal experts.
Official response
Prison authorities defend actions
Prison authorities have, however, defended their actions, claiming the images were from an earlier stage of Humayun's hospitalization. They said they always act responsibly to protect inmates' human rights and dignity. However, lawyers and rights defenders have argued otherwise. "Keeping handcuffs on a dying or dead person is inhuman and a stark violation of human rights. This will remain as an example of the most extreme breach of dignity," human rights activist Nur Khan Liton said.
Legal implications
'Stark violation of human rights'
The incident has also reignited a debate on a 2018 High Court ruling that restrained authorities from indiscriminately handcuffing detainees. Advocate Abu Obyaidur Rahman said the viral photos were a "clear breach" of this court directive. Rights activist Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir also slammed the incident as a "grave failure of state responsibility," highlighting Humayun's status as an elderly freedom fighter and former minister.
Political context
Crackdown on Awami League leaders
The incident comes amid a crackdown on Awami League leaders by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government after Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024. Many opposition leaders have been jailed under what critics call fabricated charges, with several reportedly dying in custody. Hasina was forced to resign and flee the nation in 2024, following weeks of massive student-led demonstrations. The protest, which started with calls for quota reform in government jobs, grew into a widespread anti-government upheaval.