Ismail Musafir
Today, September 9, marks six years since Bangladesh delivered its first-ever verdict under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013, in the landmark Jony murder case. Despite the passing of six years, the victim’s family has yet to receive court-ordered compensation, while key perpetrators remain at large.
The incident dates back to the night of February 8, 2014, during a wedding ceremony in the Irani Camp area of Pallabi, Dhaka. Police informants began harassing women at the event, prompting protests from Ishtiaque Hossain Jony and his brother Imtiaz Hossain Rocky. Pallabi police subsequently detained both brothers and subjected them to severe physical torture inside the police station, leading to Jony’s tragic death.
Following six and a half years of intense legal struggles, the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court delivered a historic verdict on September 9, 2020. The court sentenced three police officers to life imprisonment and two police informants to seven years in prison, establishing the first legal precedent under the 2013 anti-torture law.
On August 11, 2025, the High Court Division reviewed the appeals, upholding the life sentences of former Sub-Inspector Zahidur Rahman and Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamruzzaman. However, the court reduced the sentence of Assistant Sub-Inspector Rashedul to 10 years and acquitted another accused named Russel. An appeal challenging Russel’s acquittal currently remains pending before the Appellate Division.
Despite landmark judicial rulings, the family continues to face hardship. The court mandated a compensation package of BDT 450,000 for Jony’s two orphaned children, which remains unpaid. Furthermore, convicted fugitive Kamruzzaman Mintu has evaded arrest for years.
The victim’s brother and case plaintiff, Imtiaz Hossain Rocky, reported ongoing threats and intimidation aimed at forcing him to withdraw legal proceedings. Expressing gratitude to journalists and human rights organizations, Rocky urged state authorities and the judiciary to ensure the full execution of the court’s verdict, arrest the fugitive officer, and disburse the promised financial compensation without further delay.
 Act, 2013, in the landmark Jony murder case. Despite the passing of six years, the victim’s family has yet to receive court-ordered compensation, while key perpetrators remain at large.){kind=link}