Why the Jailed Student Leader Was Not Released on Parole After Family Tragedy

A Chhatra League leader from Bagerhat was not granted parole following the deaths of his wife and nine-month-old child, forcing authorities to bring the bodies to the prison gate so he could see them briefly.

Jewel Hasan, also known as Saddam, president of the Bagerhat Sadar upazila unit of the banned student organisation, is currently held at Jessore Central Jail in connection with 11 cases. After news broke that his wife Kaniz Subarna (22) and their infant son had died at their home, the family sought parole so he could attend the funeral.

As parole approval was not granted, prison authorities arranged for the bodies to be taken to the jail gate on Saturday evening. Saddam was allowed less than five minutes to see them under supervision.

Police said Kaniz was found hanging inside the house, while the child was later declared dead at hospital. Doctors confirmed the infant showed signs of drowning, though it remains unclear how the incident occurred. A case has since been filed by Kaniz’s father, naming unidentified suspects, and an investigation is underway.

Family members claimed Kaniz had been under severe mental stress due to her husband’s prolonged imprisonment and repeated bail rejections. However, her brother alleged inconsistencies in the timeline and demanded a full probe.

District officials stated that parole decisions must be taken by the district administration where the prisoner is currently held. Since Saddam was incarcerated in Jessore, authorities in Bagerhat had no legal authority to grant parole. Officials in Jessore later clarified that no formal parole application was submitted there.

The incident has sparked widespread public debate and criticism on social media over the handling of the parole request and the humanitarian response.