Custodial Deaths –  The death of an Awami League leader inside a district jail has intensified scrutiny over custodial deaths in Bangladesh, as opposition figures question prison conditions and the handling of detainees.

A senior leader of the Awami League has died while in custody at Gaibandha District Jail, according to local media reports, marking the latest in a series of such incidents that have drawn public attention across the country.

Shamikul Islam, 60, who served as president of the party’s Palashbari upazila unit, reportedly became critically ill on Sunday. Jail authorities said he was first taken to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital when his health deteriorated. As his condition worsened, doctors referred him to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for specialized care. However, he died while being transported there.

Jail Authorities Confirm Medical Emergency

Md. Atikur Rahman, superintendent of Gaibandha District Jail, confirmed the sequence of events to local reporters. He stated that Islam received initial treatment at the district hospital before doctors advised transferring him to Rangpur for advanced medical support. Despite the referral, he did not survive the journey.

Prison officials have not disclosed detailed medical findings, and no official statement has yet been issued regarding the exact cause of death.

Legal Cases and Arrest History

Reports from The Daily Star, citing jail sources, indicated that multiple cases were filed against Islam after the Awami League-led government lost power on August 5, 2024. He was arrested in Dhaka on December 8 in connection with one of those cases and remained behind bars for several months.

Although he later secured bail, he was reportedly detained again in a separate case and returned to custody last year. The circumstances surrounding those cases have not been elaborated upon by authorities.

Islam’s death adds to a growing list of Awami League leaders and activists who have died while in detention in recent months. These incidents have fueled political tensions during the tenure of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

Earlier Death of Former Minister

Earlier this month, another prominent Awami League figure, Ramesh Chandra Sen, died while in police custody at Dinajpur District Jail. According to local media, the 83-year-old former minister fell ill and was taken to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead in the emergency department.

Sen previously served as Water Resources Minister and represented the Thakurgaon-1 constituency as a Member of Parliament. Officials described his death as resulting from illness, though further medical details were not publicly released.

Political Reaction and Allegations

The Awami League has strongly criticized the recent custodial deaths, alleging that its leaders and supporters are being subjected to targeted pressure. In a statement following Sen’s death, the party questioned whether adequate medical care had been provided to detainees.

Party representatives argued that labeling such cases as “natural deaths” fails to address concerns about prison conditions and access to timely healthcare. They have called for independent investigations into the incidents to ensure transparency and accountability.

Government authorities have not responded in detail to the party’s allegations but have maintained that procedures are being followed in accordance with the law.

Growing Debate Over Prison Conditions

The recurring reports of detainees dying while in custody have sparked wider debate in Bangladesh about prison management and detainee welfare. Human rights observers have urged the administration to ensure proper medical oversight, especially for elderly and vulnerable inmates.

As political tensions continue in the country, these incidents are likely to remain under close watch from both domestic stakeholders and international observers. Calls for impartial inquiries and improved prison healthcare standards are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.