A picture has gone viral on social media after the death of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s close aide and former Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmood Humayun. In the picture, 75-year-old Humayun, who is undergoing treatment in the ICU of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, is seen wearing handcuffs. It is said that he died in handcuffs, which has sparked criticism and controversy from all sides.
It has been claimed on social media that even after Humayun’s death, the handcuffs have not been removed. According to jail officials, Humayun, who was arrested on September 24, died in the ICU during jail custody on Monday. He was suffering from several age-related illnesses.
Human rights activists and the general public have been outraged after the tragic incident came to light, calling Humayun’s condition a serious violation of human rights. Human rights activist Noor Khan Liton said, “It is inhuman and a gross violation of human rights to keep a dying or dead person handcuffed. Such a situation is a gross insult to dignity.”
On the other hand, the Bangladesh prison administration has rejected these allegations. Senior jail superintendent of Keraniganj Central Jail Suraiya Akhtar said, “This claim is misleading and prisoners are handcuffed only for security reasons.”
Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Mohammad Asaduzzaman said, “The viral photo is not from when he was admitted to the ICU, but it could be from when he was first admitted to the hospital.”
Home Secretary Mohammad Naseemul Ghani has called the photo fake and has assured to conduct an investigation if there is any doubt.
Humayun was made an accused in several cases related to attacks during the 2024 anti-discrimination movement.
