Handcuffed ICU Patient Monir Khan Dies in Hospital

Mizanur Rahman Monir, widely known as Monir Khan, a member of the Patuakhali District Awami League, has died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), bringing to an end a prolonged medical battle that had also sparked public debate over the treatment of seriously ill detainees.

The 48-year-old politician died at 3:25 pm on Wednesday after spending nearly two months in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital’s old Burn Unit. During his treatment, a photograph showing him lying critically ill in the ICU with handcuffs attached to one wrist circulated widely on social media, triggering widespread criticism and raising questions about the handling of prisoners receiving emergency medical care.

Mizanur Rahman hailed from Bahalgachhia village in Patuakhali Sadar Upazila and was the son of the late Abdul Khaleq Khan. Over the years, he held several political positions, including former Vice-Chairman of Patuakhali Sadar Upazila Parishad, former General Secretary of the now-banned Sadar Upazila Jubo League, former Organising Secretary of the district Jubo League, former member of the district Chhatra League, and a member of the district Awami League. He also served as Vice-President of the Bangladesh Rural Development and Cooperative Federation.

According to family members, Mizanur Rahman had gone into hiding following the political developments of 5 August 2024. On 14 September that year, detectives from the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested him from Minto Road in the capital.

His nephew, Siraj Munshi, said that eight criminal cases were subsequently filed against him—six in Dhaka and two in Patuakhali Sadar. Although he secured bail in individual cases on several occasions, he was repeatedly shown arrested in other pending cases, resulting in his continued imprisonment for nearly 11 months.

While in custody at Dhaka Central Jail, Mizanur Rahman reportedly suffered a severe stroke caused by a brain haemorrhage on 9 June. Following prison authorities’ instructions, he was transferred under police guard to the ICU at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remained in critical condition.

Family sources said he was granted bail in the final remaining case on 30 July, just seven days before his death. Despite the legal clearance for his release, doctors considered his physical condition too critical for discharge, and he continued to receive intensive medical care in hospital.

His condition deteriorated steadily. Relatives said that shortly after his admission, he lost the ability to recognise family members and became completely paralysed.

The controversy surrounding his treatment intensified after a photograph emerged showing him wearing handcuffs while unconscious in the ICU. The image quickly spread across social media platforms and prompted criticism from many who questioned whether restraining a critically ill, incapacitated patient was justified.

His wife, Salma Jahan, Chairperson of Kalikapur Union Parishad in Patuakhali Sadar Upazila and Organising Secretary of the district Krishak League, said she herself had also been arrested alongside her husband and spent a lengthy period in custody.

Recalling his final days, she said her husband remained handcuffed for almost a month after being admitted to hospital. Within two days of admission, he no longer recognised her or anyone else.

“He could not remember anything. He did not even know me,” she said. “His entire body had become paralysed. When doctors finally informed the authorities that recovery was highly unlikely, the police officers on duty removed the handcuffs. By then, however, he was almost gone. The chains were eventually taken off, but they could not bring him back.”

Only days before his death, Mizanur Rahman’s mother, Matowara Begum, was seen weeping outside the ICU at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Speaking to reporters at the time, she said simply, “My son no longer recognises me.”

Following his death, his body is being taken to his ancestral home in Patuakhali. Family member Abdul Kalam Azad said funeral prayers are scheduled to be held at 10:00 am on Thursday at the Patuakhali Sadar Upazila grounds. He will later be laid to rest in the family graveyard.

Mizanur Rahman’s death concludes a prolonged period of detention, legal proceedings and critical illness. The widespread circulation of the ICU handcuff photograph ensured that his case became a subject of broader public discussion, particularly regarding the balance between custodial security and the dignity and medical care of critically ill prisoners.