Imprisoned Gaibandha Awami League leader dies in RMCH

Shamikul Islam, 60, president of Palashbari upazila Awami League who was imprisoned in Gaibandha, died while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital early on Sunday morning.

Gaibandha District Jail Super Anwar Hossain said Shamikul Islam was admitted to jail on October 18 in a vandalism and fighting case. He had been suffering from heart disease and uncontrolled diabetes even before that.

The District Jail Super further informed that when Shamikul felt discomfort on Saturday night, he was sent to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital. From there, he was sent by ambulance for transfer to Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RmCH). He died there around dawn.

Dr Haripada Sarkar, head of the cardiology department at RmCH, said Shamikul was admitted to the hospital at 2:50 am. He experienced breathing difficulties and pain. He died at 3:50 am while undergoing treatment.

Hospital sources said an inquest report of Shamikul's body was prepared around 11 am in the presence of Executive Magistrate Tamal Azad from the district administration. The body will be handed over to the family after autopsy.

Shamikul Islam was the son of late Abdur Jabbar Sarkar from Bairiharinmari area of Palashbari municipality. He also served as vice-principal of Palashbari Women's College. After the Awami League government was ousted on August 5, 2024, multiple cases were filed against him. In one such case, he was arrested from Dhaka on December 8 and later granted bail. He was arrested again in another case subsequently.