Prison justice under scrutiny as Tarique Rahman raises concerns over wrongful detention

Tarique Rahman has claimed that a significant proportion of inmates in Bangladesh’s prisons may be unjustly detained, drawing on his own experience of incarceration to highlight systemic inequalities in access to justice.

Speaking about his 18-month period in custody, Rahman said that nearly 30% of prisoners he encountered were from impoverished backgrounds and often unaware of the specific reasons for their detention. According to him, the lack of access to competent legal representation leaves many vulnerable individuals trapped in prolonged legal limbo . On Monday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the second phase of the ‘Family Card’ distribution programme. The event was held at Shaheed Zia Degree College field in Bagbari, Gabtoli Upazila of Bogura.

Rahman argued that the inability to afford experienced lawyers is a key factor behind the continued imprisonment of potentially innocent people. He suggested that, in many cases, detainees remain behind bars for years without proper legal recourse or timely hearings.

The remarks have reignited concerns about structural deficiencies within the country’s legal and penal systems, particularly regarding due process and equal protection under the law. Legal analysts have long pointed to case backlogs, under-resourced public defence mechanisms, and socio-economic disparities as contributing factors to overcrowded prisons.

In his statement, Rahman urged the government, specifically the Ministry of Law, to take immediate steps to review such cases and ensure that those unjustly detained are identified and released. His appeal adds to ongoing discussions among rights advocates about reforming the justice system to better protect vulnerable populations.

While the government has yet to formally respond to these latest comments, the issue of wrongful or prolonged detention continues to be a sensitive and widely debated topic in Bangladesh.

The question now is whether these claims will translate into policy attention or remain part of a broader, unresolved debate over justice and inequality.

Asif Showkat Kallol: Works for a German-based online outlet, The Mirror Asia, as Head of News and Contributor, Pressenza- Dhaka Bureau.