BNP leader dies in Chuadanga custody
Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Army has withdrawn the camp commander and all soldiers involved in a joint forces operation in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila following the death of a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader who was detained during the drive, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a press release titled “Regarding the death of a detained person during a joint forces operation in Jibannagar, Chuadanga,” ISPR said the operation was carried out around 11 p.m. on Monday on the basis of “specific intelligence” to recover illegal firearms.
During the raid, joint forces detained Md. Shamsuzzaman, also known as Dabul (50), from a pharmacy adjacent to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, alleging that he possessed illegal weapons.
ISPR said that acting on information obtained from him, the forces conducted a search and recovered a 9mm pistol, one magazine, and four rounds of ammunition.
According to the statement, after the operation concluded, the detained man “suddenly fell in ill and lost consciousness.” He was rushed to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty physician declared him dead at approximately 12:25 a.m.
Describing the incident as “unexpected, tragic and in no way acceptable,” ISPR said the camp commander and all army personnel who took part in the operation had been withdrawn to the cantonment.
A high-ranking investigation committee has been formed to determine the exact cause of death.
“If anyone is found responsible, appropriate legal action will be taken under military law,” the statement said.
Shamsuzzaman was the general secretary of Jibannagar Municipal BNP and the proprietor of Hafiza Pharmacy, from where he was detained.
News of his arrest and subsequent death spread quickly through the town late Monday night, prompting immediate protests by BNP leaders, activists, and supporters.
Demonstrators gathered in front of the hospital, burning tires and blocking the road, while chanting slogans and demanding punishment for those responsible.
Protesters alleged that Shamsuzzaman had been killed, rejecting the official version that he fell ill suddenly after being detained.
The death has heightened political tension in the area, with BNP leaders calling for a transparent and credible investigation, and accountability for anyone found to have exceeded their authority during the operation.
Authorities have not yet announced whether a post-mortem examination has been completed or when the findings of the investigation committee will be made public.