An Awami League leader has died in the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur. On Tuesday afternoon, he was brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in an unconscious state, where on-duty doctors declared him dead.
Confirming the matter, Abdullah Al Mamun, Superintendent of the Kashimpur High Security Central Jail, told Prothom Alo that after completing legal procedures, the body will be handed over to the family.
The deceased leader was identified as Murad Hossain (65), a resident of Paikpara in Mirpur, Dhaka. He was the president of Ward 12 Awami League of Dhaka North City Corporation and a former councillor.
According to prison sources, Murad Hossain had three cases filed against him. After being arrested by Mirpur police, he was sent to Kashimpur Central Jail through the court. Around 12:30 pm today, he fell ill inside the prison. He was first taken to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur. After preliminary examinations, he was then referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 5:00 pm. His body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Awami League leaders and activists believe this is a case of planned “slow poisoning.” Several Awami League leaders have reportedly died in jail custody in recent months, raising serious concerns and widespread criticism about human rights conditions inside the prisons.