At least 61 people died in jail custody across Bangladesh during the first six months of 2026, according to data compiled by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
The rights organisation recorded 37 deaths among under-trial prisoners and 24 among convicted inmates between January and June this year.
Dhaka Division accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 36 cases. Of them, 17 were under-trial prisoners and 19 convicted inmates.
Chattogram Division recorded the second-highest number of deaths at eight, including seven under-trial prisoners and one convicted inmate.
Rajshahi and Khulna each reported five deaths, with four under-trial prisoners and one convicted prisoner in each division. Barishal recorded two deaths, while Rangpur also reported two, all involving under-trial prisoners.
Sylhet recorded one death involving an under-trial prisoner, and Mymensingh reported two deaths, including one under-trial prisoner and one convicted inmate.
ASK data shows that overall, under-trial prisoners accounted for 37 of the 61 reported deaths, representing more than 60% of all jail custody deaths during the six months.
ASK said the figures were compiled from reports published in different national newspapers.
ASK / Jail
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