Allegations have emerged that Md. Shaheedul Islam Majnu, chairman of Ishangopalpur Union Parishad and president of the Union Awami League in Faridpur Sadar Upazila, was subjected to brutal torture while in the custody of the Detective Branch (DB) of police. He reportedly suffered a stroke while in custody and is now fighting for his life. He has been transferred to Dhaka in critical condition for advanced medical treatment.
Arrested During an Upazila Parishad Meeting
According to reports, on Monday (October 26), a monthly coordination meeting was underway at the Faridpur Sadar Upazila Parishad. Shaheedul Islam Majnu attended the meeting as an elected public representative and chairman of Ishangopalpur Union Parishad.
According to eyewitnesses and family sources, while he was using the washroom during the meeting, a team of the District Detective Branch (DB) police surrounded him. He was reportedly detained without being shown an arrest warrant and quickly taken to the DB office.
The incident reportedly left other union parishad chairmen and officials present at the meeting stunned, as an elected public representative had been taken away from an official government meeting.
Allegations of Torture at the DB Office
His family alleges that after he was taken to the DB office, he was subjected to inhumane physical and psychological torture in the name of interrogation.
According to the family, he became seriously ill inside the lockup after allegedly enduring prolonged physical abuse and eventually suffered a stroke, losing consciousness.
Critical Health Condition
As his condition rapidly deteriorated, DB police personnel reportedly rushed him to Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital.
Doctors on duty in the hospital’s emergency department reportedly stated that the stroke was severe and his physical condition was critical. After initial treatment, he was urgently referred to Dhaka for advanced medical care and life-support facilities.
He was subsequently transferred by ambulance to a specialized hospital in Dhaka. According to the latest information cited in the report, he had not regained consciousness and remained in critical condition.
Strong Reactions in the Area
The reported detention of a sitting union parishad chairman during an official government meeting, followed by his stroke while in custody, has sparked widespread concern and anger among members of the local community and the political circles of Faridpur.
Local residents and family members have called for a fair investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
Police Statement
Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Faridpur Kotwali Police Station, said that Majnu had been absconding for a long time.
According to the OC, Majnu was formally shown as arrested as the principal accused in a case involving the burning of a passenger bus.
He added that when Majnu complained of feeling unwell while in custody, he was promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
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