In a disturbing development that has sent shockwaves through the local community, a written complaint has been filed against a prominent rehabilitation facility in Gaibandha. The allegations involve the severe physical torture of Murshid Haqqani (37), a young man suffering from mental health issues, who was purportedly brutalised by staff members at the GUK Drug Addiction Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre.
A Confinement Turned Violent
Murshid Haqqani was admitted to the facility, operated by the non-governmental organisation Gono Unnayan Kendra (GUK), on 28 August last year. His family, seeking professional care for his deteriorating mental and physical health, initially found the staff accommodating. However, as the months progressed, the centre allegedly began restricting familial access, offering increasingly vague excuses to prevent visits.
The situation reached a breaking point on 11 February 2026. When relatives insisted on a face-to-face meeting, the staff eventually relented, only to summarily discharge Murshid, claiming they would no longer provide him with treatment. Upon his release, his family was horrified to discover visible trauma, including cuts, swelling, and deep bruising across his face and body.
Allegations of Sadistic Abuse
Following his discharge and subsequent admission to the Gaibandha General Hospital, Murshid provided a harrowing account of his ordeal. He alleged that staff members would take him to a semi-permanent structure within the compound, gag him with cloth to stifle his screams, and assault him with iron rods.
The victim described a specific ritual of torture:
Physical Assault: Repeated strikes to the back, thighs, knees, and palms using metal bars.
Suspension: His legs were reportedly bound with rope, and he was hung upside down from a window grille until he lost consciousness.
Intimidation: Perpetrators allegedly threatened him with further violence if he disclosed the abuse to his family.
Legal and Administrative Response
On Saturday afternoon, the victim’s elder brother, Aurang Haqqani, filed a formal complaint at the Gaibandha Sadar Police Station. The complaint names five specific individuals associated with the centre:
| Accused Individual | Age | Role / Designation |
| Badhon | 35 | Staff Member |
| Labib | 32 | Staff Member |
| Siam | 35 | Staff Member |
| Atik | 36 | Staff Member |
| Talha | 35 | Staff Member |
Abdullah Al Mamun, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gaibandha Sadar Police Station, confirmed that an investigation is underway. Meanwhile, M. Abdus Salam, the Chief Executive of GUK, expressed his shock after being presented with video evidence of the injuries. “It is deeply regrettable,” he stated via a message. “I have been ill for several days, but I am looking into this immediately. We will take swift action against those responsible.”