Dhaka, 26 January 2026 – Ain and Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the refusal to grant parole to Jewel Hasan Saddam, President of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League, who is currently detained at Jashore Central Jail, despite a formal application from his family to allow him to attend the funeral and burial of his deceased wife and nine-month-old child. In a statement, ASK said that allowing the detainee only to see the bodies briefly at the jail gate instead of permitting him to attend the Janaza and burial constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution of Bangladesh and international human rights law. The organization termed the incident as cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. ASK cited Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law; Article 31, which ensures the right to protection of law; and Article 35(5), which prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment or treatment. As an under-trial prisoner, Jewel Hasan Saddam remains entitled to these constitutional protections, ASK emphasized. The human rights body also referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ parole policy issued on 1 June 2016, which allows prisoners and detainees to be released on parole for a limited time in case of the death of close relatives, including parents, spouse, and children. ASK noted that although parole is subject to administrative discretion, it cannot be rejected arbitrarily, without justification, or in disregard of humanitarian considerations. ASK further stated that the incident violates Bangladesh’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 7 prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, while Article 10(1) requires that all persons deprived of liberty be treated with humanity and respect for their dignity. Preventing a grieving detainee from attending the funeral of his wife and infant child, after only allowing a brief viewing of their bodies, is fundamentally incompatible with these provisions. The organization said citizens have the right to know under which law, rule, or executive order the parole application was rejected. According to ASK, the rule of law requires not only lawful decision-making but also transparency, accountability, and disclosure of reasons behind decisions. The silence of the jail authorities and concerned administration, it warned, raises serious questions of arbitrariness and discriminatory conduct. ASK concluded that the precedent set by this incident is inconsistent with the values of a constitutional, democratic, and human rights-respecting state. It demanded a clear explanation and accountability from the relevant authorities and noted that the High Court has the scope to take suo motu action in this matter.