Disabled Awami League leader beaten, jailed, dies in custody

Shahnoor Alam Shanto, a 60-year-old Awami League leader who was imprisoned after being beaten by local BNP activists and handed over to police, has died while in custody. He died on Friday night, March 13, while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases & Hospital in Dhaka.

Shanto was caught by local BNP leaders and activists on January 4 when he secretly went to meet his wife in front of the Naruli Agricultural Farm. After being beaten, police rescued him and took him to Sadar Police Station. On the same day, he was shown arrested in a case of sabotage and attempted murder filed by Joint Secretary of District Women's Party Suraiya Jerin Roni and sent to jail.

Bogra District Jail Officer Nurul Mubin confirmed the matter. He informed that Shahnoor Alam Shanto was transferred to Keraniganj Jail in Dhaka on January 17. He suffered a heart attack there and was admitted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. He died around 10:00 pm while undergoing treatment. His body has been sent to Suhrawardy Hospital for autopsy.

Shahnoor Alam Shanto's younger brother Faruk Mia said his only niece studies in class eight. The family and locals are grieving Shanto's death. They are in contact with Keraniganj Jail authorities to receive the body and make arrangements for burial at their home in Nijbailail village.

The investigating officer in the case said Shahnoor Alam Shanto had one leg amputated and had a rod in his leg. He went to meet his wife in front of Naruli Agricultural Farm in the city on January 4, when locals caught him and beat him. Police later rescued him and sent him to custody.