A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has died shortly after being taken into custody during a joint operation involving the army and police, triggering serious allegations of custodial torture from his family and party colleagues. The army has firmly rejected these claims, maintaining that the leader suffered a sudden stroke while in custody and that his death was not the result of any physical abuse.
The deceased, Shamsuzzaman Dablu, served as the general secretary of the BNP’s Jibannagar municipal unit. He passed away late on Monday night after being detained from his business premises in Chuadanga district. His death quickly sparked unrest in the area, with BNP activists staging protests, blocking roads and setting fires, accusing security forces of targeting opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Family members alleged that Dablu was taken from his pharmacy between 10 and 10:30 pm during a joint operation by security forces. His wife, Jasmin Nahar, who also holds the position of BNP general secretary in the Jibannagar area, claimed that her husband was forcibly picked up by the army and killed as part of a premeditated conspiracy. She asserted that his death was not natural and accused the authorities of attempting to cover up a custodial killing, according to local media reports.
Supporters and local residents echoed these accusations, alleging that Dablu was subjected to severe physical torture while in detention. They insisted that the injuries he sustained during custody led directly to his death. The police, however, denied any wrongdoing and stated that Dablu became seriously ill while being held, after which he was taken to a hospital.
The army issued a statement saying that Dablu suddenly fell ill during questioning and later died due to a stroke. Officials added that a foreign-made pistol along with four rounds of ammunition were recovered from his possession during the operation, which they described as a routine arms recovery drive. They maintained that the operation was lawful and that there was no abuse or excessive use of force.
As news of Dablu’s death spread, BNP workers gathered outside the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex on Tuesday morning. Protesters blocked key roads using tree trunks, set parts of the street on fire and raised slogans demanding justice and punishment for those responsible. The situation remained tense for several hours as security forces attempted to restore order.
Senior BNP leaders also weighed in, alleging a pattern of intimidation against opposition figures. Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Chuadanga district BNP and a candidate from the Chuadanga-2 constituency, claimed that opposition leaders and activists were being systematically targeted under the guise of security operations. He alleged that the level of torture inflicted on Dablu was so extreme that it ultimately led to his death.
District authorities responded by urging restraint. Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain said the administration would take appropriate legal action if the allegations were proven. He appealed to the public to maintain calm while the matter was being examined. Meanwhile, Chuadanga Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam said Dablu was taken to hospital after falling ill in custody but was declared dead by doctors.
An inquest on Dablu’s body was conducted at the health complex in the presence of an executive magistrate, and a postmortem examination was carried out on Tuesday morning by the Jibannagar Upazila Executive Officer. Officials confirmed that no case had been registered so far, even as Dablu’s family continued to demand a thorough investigation and legal action against those involved.
This incident marks the second reported custodial death in Bangladesh within a week, intensifying concerns over law enforcement conduct as the country moves toward general elections scheduled for February 12. In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports of violence, mob attacks, shootings and deaths in custody during the enforcement of the election code of conduct.
Earlier, an Awami League leader, Pralay Chaki, died while receiving treatment during court custody, and a young BNP leader was shot in Karwan Bazar, further heightening political tensions. Bangladesh has remained volatile since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following widespread protests, with the period also marked by repeated attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus.
Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who assumed charge as interim advisor after Hasina’s removal, has repeatedly appealed for calm and assured the public that the forthcoming elections will be conducted in a free and fair manner.
