Mhafuza Islam
After being detained under suspicion of illegal entry, a mentally ill woman has finally been released following a thorough investigation that confirmed her Bangladeshi citizenship and her mental health condition at the time of arrest. This long-awaited decision highlights the importance of careful legal review and compassionate treatment for vulnerable individuals in the justice system. A woman previously detained under suspicion of illegal entry has been released from Rajshahi Central Jail today following a court-ordered investigation that revealed her to be a Bangladeshi citizen suffering from mental instability at the time of her arrest.
According to prison authorities, the female prisoner, initially recorded as Prisoner No. 222/25, was brought to Rajshahi Central Jail on May 17, 2025, by order of the learned court in connection with Case No. 07 of Damkura Police Station, dated the same day. The woman was arrested under Section 4 of the Bangladesh Control of Entry Act, 1952, on suspicion of being an undocumented Indian national.
At the time of her admission, the woman could not provide any identification. Her name, parentage, place of origin, and even nationality were all listed as “unknown.” Moreover, she exhibited signs of severe mental disorientation, remaining silent and unresponsive.
Recognizing the abnormal condition of the detainee, prison authorities immediately placed her under close observation and medical care. Over time, due to the sustained efforts and compassionate approach of the prison officials, she showed signs of improvement. Gradually, through observation, communication, and intelligence gathering, the prison staff were able to determine her identity.
She was identified as Asha Banu, daughter of Mir Mostafizur Rahman and Mrs. Farida Begum, hailing from Hakimpur village, Post Office: Mithapur, under Badalgachi Police Station, in Naogaon District, Bangladesh.
Upon verification of her identity, the matter was formally communicated to the learned court, which subsequently took the initiative to ensure her legal rights were upheld. A defense lawyer was appointed for her, and arrangements were made to bring her father to Rajshahi for court proceedings.
In a hearing held today in the presence of the prisoner, her legal representative, and her father, the honourable court granted her bail after thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of her arrest and current mental state.
The official release order (Memo No. 5662), issued by the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Rajshahi, was received at the jail premises today at 1:55 PM through the official court peon. Following procedural checks, the release was executed, and the entire situation was clearly explained to her father, Mir Mostafizur Rahman, at 3:30 PM.
The case has sparked conversations around mental health support for detainees, due process for suspected foreign nationals, and the need for greater sensitivity in handling vulnerable individuals in the justice system.
