Rights group Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) on Tuesday expressed strong condemnation, anger and deep concern over the recent incidents of alleged suicides in the custody of law enforcement agencies, including Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

According to reports, on September 14 and 15, two young men — Tanvir Chowdhury, 25, and Md. Mokaddus Miah, 35— allegedly died by suicide while in custody of RAB in Sylhet and PBI in Moulavibazar respectively.

MSF noted that similar incidents occurred earlier as well.

Last month, Rokib Sikder, 20, attempted suicide in the custody of Bauphal Police Station in Patuakhali after being detained on theft charges. In Chokoria of Cox’s Bazar , Durjoy Chowdhury was arrested over cheque fraud and embezzlement allegations, reportedly died by suicide inside Chokoria police station .

In July, Firoza Ashrafi, a teacher, died the day after allegedly consuming pesticide brought from outside while in custody at Bhatara thana in Dhaka city .

MSF launches major hepatitis C campaign in Rohingya camps

Terming the recurring incidents of suicides in police custody “highly alarming,” MSF said such incidents raise serious questions about the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.

The rights organisation MSF demanded impartial and thorough investigations to determine whether there was any negligence or irregularity during the detainees’ time in custody.

MSF stressed that detainees must be protected at all times while under the watch of law enforcement agencies and any death in custody must be treated with utmost seriousness.

According to police sources, on the morning of September 14, the body of murder accused Tanvir Chowdhury was found inside the custody of Rab-9 in Sylhet. Police claimed he hanged himself using a blanket tied to a ventilator rod inside the washroom.

Similarly, in the early hours of September 15, the hanging body of Mokaddus Miah was recovered from the lockup of PBI in Moulavibazar. PBI said he used a lungi tied to the lockup door grille to hang himself.

MSF said it is unacceptable to claim that a detainee in law enforcement custody could have access to the means and opportunity to take their own life. The organisation stressed that law enforcement must be held accountable for ensuring the safety of all detainees under their custody.

It further said that preventing such incidents is a legal obligation of the police, and deaths in custody must lead to accountability of the concerned law enforcement agencies.

MSF expresses grave concern over deaths in police custody in Kishoreganj, Cumilla

MSF reiterated its urgent demand for impartial and proper investigations into the deaths of Tanvir Chowdhury, Md. Mokaddus Miah and other detainees, and for appropriate legal actions against those found responsible.