Cardiac arrest spree at Bogura jail

In the span of a month, four Awami League leaders in custody at Bogura Jail have died, reportedly from heart attacks, according to jail authorities.

They were detained in connection with cases stemming from the anti-discrimination student movement. Now, former Member of Parliament (Bogura-6) and district Awami League General Secretary Ragebul Ahsan Ripu, who was recently arrested, is also experiencing similar symptoms.

As of Thursday (December 26) afternoon, Ripu is receiving treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Dhaka. Earlier, after falling ill in Bogura Jail, he was taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) on Wednesday evening. Later that night, he was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment, confirmed by Bogura Jail Superintendent Faruk Ahmed. Ripu was arrested on December 18 from Mohanganj in Netrokona.

The series of deaths and illnesses among Awami League leaders in Bogura Jail has raised concerns.

Several Awami League leaders and activists, currently in hiding, apprehended that they are unsure of what is happening inside the jail. The repeated deaths are causing panic among party members. Some suspect the deaths might not be natural and fear for the safety of others in custody.

When approached, some detained leaders of the Awami League's youth and volunteer wings refrained from commenting, citing the presence of jail guards. However, they did mention that "no Awami League member is doing well in Bogura Jail".

Shafik Khan, Ripu's brother-in-law, said Ripu had a heart condition about a decade ago but had been healthy since then. After his arrest, they were informed of his recurring heart issues, though they still do not know the full details.

The jail superintendent stated that Ripu complained of chest pain while in custody.

Earlier, on December 9, Awami League leader Abdul Matin Mithu died under custody at SZMCH. Mithu, who was the proposed organizational secretary of the Gabtali unit of the Awami League and a former chairman of Durghata Union Parishad, was arrested on November 3 in connection with a murder and explosives case.

On November 26, Shahadat Alam Jhunu, the organisational secretary of the Bogura District Awami League and former principal of Police Lines School and College, passed away under custody. He was arrested on August 24 and fell ill in jail on November 26. He was taken to SZMCH and later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. However, he passed away en route in Sirajganj.

On November 25, Abdul Latif, the treasurer of Shibganj upazila Awami League, died while receiving treatment at SZMCH. He had fallen ill in custody two days earlier.

On November 11, Awami League leader Shahidul Islam, general secretary of the party’s 15th Ward unit, also died in jail due to a heart attack, according to jail authorities.

Jail Superintendent Faruk Ahmed stated that deaths are beyond anyone’s control. He emphasized that the jail has not only witnessed the deaths of Awami League leaders but also other inmates due to illness. However, he insisted there was no negligence on the part of jail authorities.