Another Awami League leader, Shamikul Islam, aged 60 and President of Palashbari Upazila, passed away in Gaibandha District Jail while being transferred to a hospital. Jail authorities mentioned that he fell ill and died en route to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Shamikul had faced multiple cases since the government’s ouster on August 5, 2024, and despite securing bail, he was re-arrested last year.
The death of Shamikul adds to the series of custodial deaths involving Awami League members in Bangladesh, raising concerns of political repression. The incident occurred amidst allegations of targeted actions during Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s tenure. Earlier, on February 7, former Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen died in police custody at Dinajpur District Jail, further fueling criticism and accusations.
Awami League has strongly condemned the crackdown on its leaders, emphasizing Sen’s death as evidence of authorities using prisons to suppress political opponents. The party criticized the lack of medical care provided to Sen, labeling it as deliberate neglect and a failure of the state. Awami League expressed deep apprehension over the situation, denouncing Sen’s death as a message of injustice prevailing within prison walls.
