A former student leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was temporarily released on parole on Saturday evening to attend his father’s funeral and burial in Natore. Rakibul Hasan James, the former president of the Natore district unit of the BCL, was granted a two-hour release under strict police escort before being returned to prison.
The deceased, Abul Kalam Azad, passed away on Saturday afternoon following a prolonged illness. Upon his passing, the family submitted an emergency application to the local administration requesting a temporary release for James on humanitarian grounds. Following administrative approval, authorities granted the brief parole to enable him to participate in the final rites.
The janazah (funeral prayer) was conducted around 9:00 pm at the Bura Darga Mosque in the Boro Gacha area of Natore city. Local residents, family members, and acquaintances gathered for the prayer, which was held under heavy police presence. Immediately after the burial ceremonies were concluded at the adjacent graveyard, law enforcement personnel escorted James back to Natore District Jail.
Mansur Rahman, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Natore Sadar Police Station, confirmed the details of the release, stating that the political leader was granted parole for precisely two hours exclusively for the funeral services, in accordance with standard legal procedures.
James had been arrested by police on the night of 21 June from his family residence in the Boro Gacha neighbourhood. According to local sources, he had been remaining away from the area following the major political shifts and unrest in Bangladesh after 5 August 2024. He had recently returned home to visit his ailing father, which ultimately led to his apprehension by law enforcement authorities in connection with political cases filed against him.
In Bangladesh, the provision of short-term parole for detainees to attend the funeral of immediate family members is a recognized practice administered by district authorities, provided the security parameters are strictly met.
