Custodial death of Bangladeshi lawyer draws scrutiny
PARIS, May 27: Justice Makers Bangladesh in France has condemned the custodial death of senior Bangladeshi lawyer Abdul Latif, calling it a serious human rights concern. Latif, a former public prosecutor in Satkhira linked to the Awami League, reportedly died of a stroke in jail on May 25 after spending more than five months in custody without trial progress. The rights group alleged that Latif was held in poor prison conditions, including inadequate food, sanitation and medical care, and claimed authorities failed to provide timely treatment when he became seriously ill. Latif and his son were arrested in December 2025 by Bangladesh’s Detective Branch police. JMBF said the case reflected a broader pattern of political retaliation, arbitrary detention and custodial deaths targeting Awami League members since the fall of the former government. The organisation urged Bangladeshi authorities to establish an independent judicial inquiry into Latif’s death and hold those responsible accountable. (IANS)
Munir vows Pakistan will defeat terrorism
ISLAMABAD, May 27: Asim Munir said on Wednesday that “brutal and inhuman” terrorist attacks would not weaken Pakistan’s resolve against militancy. Munir made the remarks during a visit to Zhob district in Balochistan, where he celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with frontline troops stationed along Pakistan’s western border. His comments came days after a deadly explosion tore through a shuttle train in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, killing 24 people and injuring dozens. The banned Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the military, Munir offered Eid prayers with troops and praised their courage, readiness and vigilance. He stressed that Pakistan’s armed forces, alongside law enforcement agencies and the people of Balochistan, would continue pursuing terrorists, facilitators and supporters with full force despite ongoing violence. (PTI)
Congo camp battles Ebola with bare essentials
BUNIA, May 27: A displacement camp in Bunia, eastern Congo, housing around 10,000 people, is struggling to combat a worsening Ebola outbreak with only one handwashing station and a single infrared thermometer. Residents say they lack access to clean water, soap and proper sanitation, with some forced to use sand or oatmeal to wash their hands. Aid agencies warn that overcrowded camps, poor hygiene and years of conflict have left the region highly vulnerable to the spread of the disease. More than 1,000 suspected Ebola cases and at least 220 deaths have already been reported, including confirmed infections in neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Humanitarian groups say insecurity and attacks by armed groups have severely weakened healthcare services, making efforts to contain the outbreak even more difficult. (AP)
