Imprisoned Awami League Leader Dies in Rangpur Hospital

Shamikul Islam, 60, the imprisoned president of the Palashbari Upazila unit of the Awami League in Gaibandha, passed away early on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH).

The Gaibandha District Jail Superintendent, Anwar Hossain, confirmed the news to Prothom Alo, stating that Shamikul had been admitted to the district jail on 18 October in connection with cases of vandalism and physical assault. He had a prior medical history of heart disease and uncontrolled diabetes, which complicated his condition.

According to Superintendent Hossain, Shamikul began experiencing severe discomfort on Saturday night. He was initially taken to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital for evaluation. As his condition worsened, authorities arranged for his transfer to RMCH by ambulance. Shamikul was formally admitted to the hospital at 2:50 am, and despite medical intervention, he died at 3:50 am.

Dr. Haripada Sarkar, head of the cardiology department at RMCH, told reporters that Shamikul had presented with acute shortness of breath and chest pain. “He was treated immediately upon arrival, but unfortunately, he did not survive,” Dr. Sarkar said.

By 11 am, officials from the district administration, led by Executive Magistrate Tamal Azad, had completed a post-mortem report on Shamikul’s body at the hospital. The remains are expected to be handed over to his family after formalities.

Shamikul was the son of the late Abdur Jabbar Sarkar of the Bairi-Harinmari area of Palashbari town. He had also served as the vice principal of Palashbari Women’s College. Following the change of government on 5 August 2024, when the Awami League was ousted from power, multiple cases were filed against him. One case led to his arrest from Dhaka on 8 December 2024, resulting in months of imprisonment before he was granted bail. Subsequently, he was arrested again under a separate case.

The following table summarises the key events leading to his death:

Shamikul Islam’s passing has cast a shadow of mourning across Palashbari, with local political and educational circles expressing grief over the loss of a prominent leader. His death highlights ongoing concerns regarding the health and treatment of prisoners with chronic medical conditions.