A leader of the Awami League’s youth wing has died while in custody in Bangladesh’s northern Bogura district, with his family alleging that prison authorities failed to provide adequate medical treatment despite his prolonged illness.
Sohrab Hossain, a leader of the Dhunat municipal unit of Jubo League, died while receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital late Thursday, October 22, or early Friday, October 23.
He had been detained at Bogura District Jail since his arrest on August 2 in connection with a case stemming from an alleged attack on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate’s election campaign during the 2018 parliamentary election.
Prison authorities said Hossain was transferred to hospital after developing serious breathing difficulties or cardiac symptoms. His family, however, alleged that he had been ill for several days and had not received appropriate treatment.
Family Alleges Inadequate Medical Care
Hossain’s wife, Roni Khatun, alleged that her husband had been suffering from health problems for an extended period while in prison but had not been given adequate medical attention.
She also questioned the treatment he received before his death.
His elder brother, Shahidul Islam, said prison officials had informed the family that Hossain died following a heart attack.
According to the family, he had become seriously ill four or five days before his death.
Bogura District Jail Superintendent Asadur Rahman confirmed that Hossain died while undergoing treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital.
He said the prisoner had been taken to hospital after developing acute health complications.
Accounts differ on when Hossain was first hospitalized. Some indicate he developed severe breathing difficulties on Thursday night, while another account says he was admitted on October 21 after complaining of chest pain.
The precise medical cause of death has not been independently established, and no official medical report has been made public.
Arrested Over 2018 Election Violence Case
Hossain was the son of the late Raham Ali Haji of Sadarp ara village in Dhunat municipality.
Police said he was arrested on August 2 in connection with a case involving an alleged attack and vandalism targeting the election campaign of BNP candidate Golam Mohammad Siraj during the 2018 national election.
He had remained in Bogura District Jail since his arrest.
Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam confirmed that Hossain had been imprisoned in connection with the election-related case.
Following the completion of legal formalities, authorities handed over his body to his relatives on Friday afternoon.
He was buried after Asr prayers at Jannatul Ferdous Cemetery in the Char Dhunat area.
COMMENTS