Internet businessman dies in police custody in Muradnagar

An internet businessman named Sheikh Jewel died while in police custody at Bangra police station in Muradnagar Upazila, Cumilla district, on Thursday evening. Following his death, tensions have risen between BNP and Awami League.

Sheikh Jewel (45) was the son of the late Sheikh Golam Sarwar from Sheikh Bari village in Bangra. His body is currently at the Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex.

According to his wife, Shilpi Begum, her husband went out on Thursday morning to collect payments for his internet business. After noon, she received news that the police had detained him.

When she went to the police station to speak with him, the police initially refused to allow her to meet him. After persistent requests, she was finally able to speak with her husband, who assured her that he had done nothing wrong and asked her to arrange for his release.

Later that evening, she was informed that her husband had been taken to Muradnagar Hospital. Upon arriving there, she found that he was already dead. She accused the police of causing her husband’s death.

Their son, Sheikh Sihab, said that police took his father without any charges and killed him. He also said the police did not inform him when his father was taken to the hospital. They only found out that he had died when they arrived there.

After news of the death spread, both BNP and Awami League leaders and supporters claimed Sheikh Jewel as a member of their respective parties on social media. BNP claims he was a union BNP member, while Awami League says he was the union’s organizational secretary.

Sheikh Sofikul Islam, the deceased’s cousin, said that SI Al Amin of Bangra Bazar police station detained Jewel. Upon calling at around 8:30 pm to inquire about him, he was told to come to Muradnagar Hospital. When he arrived, he found his cousin’s body.

Dr. Sirajul Islam Manik, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the police brought the victim to the hospital at 8:50 pm. After examination, doctors declared him dead.

Officer-in-Charge Mahfuzur Rahman of Bangra Bazar police station stated that five people were arrested on Thursday afternoon for drug consumption, and 70 yaba tablets were seized. While these accused were held at the police station, Jewel suddenly became ill and was rushed to Muradnagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. He denied allegations of torture.

Dr. Milton Kumar Debnath, the doctor responsible for the autopsy at Cumilla Medical College, said a preliminary post-mortem had been conducted. The initial findings from the Upazila Health Complex and Upazila Magistrate matched the body’s condition. Injuries and wounds were found on various parts of the body. A full report, including detailed findings, is expected within approximately three months.