Dhaka, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bangladesh’s Awami League has raised concerns over allegations of human rights violations involving political detainees at the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur district, claiming that inmates linked to the party were subjected to harsh treatment following statements made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The party, citing accounts from families of detainees and former inmates, alleged that political prisoners were deliberately denied food and access to safe drinking water after Hasina delivered a virtual address.
The Awami League claimed that punitive measures were repeatedly imposed whenever Hasina made public statements, alleging that detainees faced collective punishment, including disruptions in meal distribution and restrictions on access to basic facilities.
According to the party, relatives of prisoners claimed that inmates were left without food for a significant part of the day following Hasina’s virtual address on Wednesday. It also cited former detainees who alleged that prisoners attempting to purchase food from the jail canteen with their own money faced repeated difficulties.
One former inmate reportedly alleged that prisoners were at times forced to consume water from washroom facilities due to a lack of access to safe drinking water, describing the practice as a violation of basic standards of humane treatment.
The Awami League said that, if verified, the allegations could amount to violations of internationally recognised human rights standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
“These standards require prisoners to receive adequate food, clean drinking water and dignified treatment without discrimination or collective punishment,” the party said.
The Awami League added that human rights advocates have consistently maintained that all detainees, irrespective of political affiliation or legal charges, are entitled to fundamental protections under domestic and international laws.
Families of those detained have reportedly sought an independent inquiry into the allegations and urged authorities to ensure that prisoners receive proper food, safe drinking water, medical care and protection from mistreatment.
The allegations came days after Sheikh Hasina addressed a press conference in New Delhi through an audio link, claiming that Bangladesh had witnessed worsening conditions over the past two years, with people facing fear, insecurity and economic difficulties.
Hasina, who has been residing in India since leaving Bangladesh, also said she expected to return to her home country by the end of the year.
“Even after a rigged election brought the BNP to power, the situation did not change. Bangladesh remains in the grip of fear, terror, depression, economic hardship and deep insecurity,” Hasina said during her address.
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