BNP leader dies in army custody in Chuadanga, tension grips area

Municipal BNP general secretary of Jibannagar, Shamsuzzaman Dabloo, 50, died while in army custody in Chuadanga late on Monday night, triggering severe tension in the area.

The incident occurred around 12 am on January 12 in Jibannagar upazila.

Shamsuzzaman Dabloo was a resident of Hospitalpara area of Jibannagar town and served as the general secretary of Jibannagar Municipality BNP.

According to family members and local sources, army personnel from the Chuadanga camp conducted an operation around 10.30 pm near Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, where Dabloo was present at a medicine shop. He was later taken into custody inside his nearby office. At around 12 am, his death was reported.

After the news spread, relatives and BNP leaders and activists accused the army of torture and began protests. Tension quickly spread across the health complex and surrounding areas. Additional police have been deployed to maintain order.

The army said Dabloo was detained for questioning as part of a routine arms recovery operation. During interrogation, he suddenly fell ill and later died of a stroke. The army also claimed that a foreign pistol and four rounds of ammunition were recovered from him.

The deceased’s brother Shariful Islam Kajol alleged that his brother was killed.

District BNP president and Chuadanga-2 BNP candidate Mahmud Hasan Khan condemned the incident, alleging that the army was systematically torturing BNP leaders and activists under the guise of operations. He claimed the level of torture was so severe that Dabloo could not survive.

On Tuesday, January 13, police completed inquest proceedings in the presence of Jibannagar upazila nirbahi officer and executive magistrate Md Al Amin.

Chuadanga additional superintendent of police Jamal Al Naser said extra police have been deployed in the area to keep the situation under control.