Prisoner Dies at Habiganj Jail

Habiganj, 11 March – A 26-year-old inmate, Rasel Mia, has died while in custody at Habiganj District Jail.

According to official sources, Rasel was brought to Habiganj Sadar Hospital on Wednesday morning in a critical condition, but the attending medical staff declared him dead shortly after arrival.

Rasel, the son of Atik Mia from Bongao village in Awshkandi Union, Nabiganj Upazila, had been imprisoned since 5 January, facing charges in a murder case.

Circumstances of Death

Prison authorities reported that Rasel had been suffering from a high fever for several days, receiving treatment at the jail hospital. On Wednesday morning, he reportedly collapsed in the washroom. Initial treatment was administered at the jail, but he was later transferred to Habiganj Sadar Hospital at around 9:00 AM, where he was pronounced dead.

The District Jail Superintendent, Md. Billal Mia, confirmed the incident. He stated that preliminary assessments suggest Rasel may have died of heart-related complications. Following the completion of legal procedures, the body will be handed over to the family.

Background of the Case

The case relates to a violent incident on 7 November last year. After performing Friday prayers at the New Jame Mosque in Bongao, Nabiganj, a man named Emrul Mia was stabbed multiple times by a group of individuals, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Osmani Medical College Hospital in Sylhet.

Subsequently, a murder case was filed with Nabiganj Police Station by Emrul’s elder brother, Nazrul Islam Rushel, naming Rasel Mia among seven accused individuals. Rasel had been in custody as part of the ongoing investigation into this case.

Timeline of Key Events

This incident has raised concerns over the health monitoring and medical facilities available to inmates, particularly those with pre-existing conditions. Authorities have assured that investigations into the circumstances of Rasel’s death will continue in line with legal procedures.