13/04/2026
Discussion Meeting on the UN Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol
Rajshahi
On 4 April 2026, , in collaboration with the World Organisation Against Torture ( ), organised a discussion meeting at the Grand River View Hotel in Rajshahi, focusing on the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT).
Significantly, Bangladesh ratified the Convention Against Torture (CAT) in 1998. In line with this international commitment, the country enacted the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 to criminalise torture and punish perpetrators. Odhikar has been continuously advocating for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to prevent torture and to establish a National Preventive Mechanism.
After a prolonged period of campaigning and sustained demands from human rights defenders, torture survivors, and affected families, the OPCAT was finally ratified in July 2025 by the Interim Government. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the effective implementation of these legal frameworks so that the prevention of torture and the protection of human rights are meaningfully upheld in practice.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, with more than 50 attendees, including Human Rights Defenders, torture survivors, victims of human rights violations and their families, law enforcement officers, forensic experts, physicians, academic, journalists, media activists, legal professionals and students.
The programme aimed to raise awareness, promote understanding and encourage dialogue on the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It provided a platform for participants from different backgrounds to share their experiences, perspectives, and insights regarding the implementation of UNCAT and OPCAT at the national level.
Through this initiative, Odhikar sought to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and emphasize the importance of accountability, legal protection and human rights advocacy in addressing issues related to torture and custodial death.
The session, moderated by Odhikar’s Programme Director, Md. Sazzad Hussain, focused on increasing awareness of Bangladesh’s obligations under CAT and OPCAT, as well as the roles of state institutions, political actors, and civil society in preventing torture and ensuring accountability. He emphasized the absolute prohibition of torture and underscored the State’s duty to protect survivors and ensure justice.
Following the introductory session, Anisha Islam Insha, an intern at Odhikar, delivered a keynote presentation on Bangladesh’s obligations under CAT and OPCAT. She highlighted key issues, including gaps in implementation, the need for accountability and preventive measures, and emphasized the importance of strengthening oversight mechanisms to effectively prevent torture.
Dr. Fazlul Haque Tuhin, the brother of Nurul Islam Shahin, shared his testimony regarding his brother’s death. Shahin was reportedly arrested in 2015 by individuals identifying themselves as members of the Detective Branch (DB) of the police, and his body was later found at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Following his death, a case was reportedly filed against him, and the family faced repeated financial extortion. In 2025, the family filed a case before the tribunal; however, the accused have not yet been arrested. He expressed his demands, stating: “I have only two demands: (1) to ensure and implement proper justice, and (2) to provide state-led rehabilitation and compensation for the victim’s family.”
Md. Atikur Rahman, a victim of enforced disappearance and torture, shared his experience, stating that he was picked up from his home in 2018 by DB police. He reported being blindfolded and held in disappearance for 126 days, during which he was subjected to severe torture. He further stated that at times, “spray was applied to my wounds to facilitate temporary recovery, after which the torture would resume.”
Jashin Uddin Sarkar, brother of Shahidul, stated that his brother was picked up in 2015 and subsequently killed extrajudicially under the pretext of a “crossfire.” He alleged that, following the incident, the family was subjected to harassment through multiple fabricated cases. Expressing his concerns, he said that he does not seek assistance from the government but questioned the decision to repeal the ordinance related to enforced disappearances. He emphasized, “I do not want such incidents to occur again, and that is why it is necessary to immediately enact the ordinance into law.” He further demanded justice for his brother’s killing, noting that although a case was filed with the tribunal, it remains pending without progress.
Golam Mortuza, who was allegedly picked up by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and subjected to enforced disappearance on 14 July 2010, shared his experience. He stated, “Whenever someone speaks about human rights, I am reminded of the 47 days I spent in enforced disappearance, during which I had no access to food or medical treatment—only torture and more torture. Even now, whenever someone knocks on my door, my mother fears that someone has come to take me away.”
Another victim, Md. Zahid Hossain, stated, “I have been subjected to torture seven times, and multiple false cases have been filed against me.”
Sabina Yeasmin, Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB), stated that the rule of law and the proper administration of justice must be ensured at all times. She emphasized that the law does not permit unlawful detention and stressed the need for full implementation of the provisions of the Convention. She further noted that both stakeholders and law enforcement agencies have a critical role to play in ensuring the prevention of torture under all circumstances.
Dr. Md. Kafil Uddin, Head of Forensic Medicine at Rajshahi Medical College, emphasized that forensic evidence plays a crucial role in ensuring justice. He noted that forensic experts often face pressure to alter reports and stressed the need to uphold scientific independence. He further stated that forensic work must remain free from any interference to ensure the integrity and credibility of investigations.
Gaziur Rahman, PPM, Deputy Commissioner (CTTC) of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, stated that systemic improvements are necessary and that the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 must be effectively implemented. He emphasized that the police must never act in an oppressive manner in the exercise of their authority, and that strict adherence to and enforcement of the law are essential to preventing torture.
Nazim Wadud, a writer and journalist, stated that law enforcement agencies are often implicated in acts of torture, and therefore, government control over these forces remains significant even after the ratification of the Convention. He emphasized that without an independent and impartial commission, it would be impossible to effectively prevent torture. He further remarked that unless political parties move away from authoritarian tendencies, the mere exercise of power will not lead to the establishment of genuine democracy.
Md. Abul Kashem Azad, President of the Rajshahi Bar Association, stated that, together with Odhikar, they firmly affirm that torture must never be carried out under any circumstances. He stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of expression and called for effective measures to prevent torture. He further urged all to uphold a pro-Bangladesh spirit in advancing justice and human rights.
Dr. Asma Siddika, Professor at Rajshahi University, expressed concern about the future of freedom of expression, noting her uncertainty regarding its sustainability. She underscored the importance of implementing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) and the Subcommittee in line with the provisions of the Convention. She also pointed out that incidents of enforced disappearance and torture have occurred not only against political actors but also against individuals perceived to hold certain political beliefs or affiliations, even when they are not formally associated with any political party.
In addition, several other speakers delivered remarks, including Md. Raisul Islam, Public Prosecutor of Rajshahi District; Helal Hossain Shanto, Secretary of the Rajshahi Journalists’ Union; Ali Ashraf Masoom, Public Prosecutor of Rajshahi Metropolitan City; Mahbub Siddique, a heritage worker; and Dr. Iftekharul Alam Masud, Registrar of Rajshahi University. All the speakers emphasized the importance of ending torture and ensuring the effective implementation of the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) and relevant domestic laws.
Following the speeches, the floor was opened for a brief discussion, during which participants shared suggestions and raised concerns regarding the prevention of torture in Bangladesh. The programme concluded with closing remarks underscoring the urgency of collective action to uphold human dignity and prevent torture and degrading treatment in the future.
