Voice of Insaf: A BNP activist, Abul Bashar (45), from Begumganj, Noakhali, has died under suspicious circumstances in Lakshmipur District Jail. Bashar, who was arrested on January 14, died early on January 21 at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 6:30 AM.
According to his family, Bashar, the son of Nur Islam from Bhawani Jibonpur village in the Choyani Union of Begumganj, was an active member of the local BNP.
His brother, Monir Hossain, and Mohin Uddin, have accused the police of inhumane treatment following his arrest. They claim that Bashar was involved in the sand and gravel business and was taken from his home by the District Detective Branch (DB) and Chandra Ganj Police on the night of January 14. The police allegedly took gold and cash amounting to 20,000 BDT from his home. The family alleges that Bashar was tortured for two days at the police station before being charged in a robbery case and presented to court.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandra Ganj Police Station, Md. Morshed Alam regarding the death issues, declined to comment, referring inquiries to the police media wing.
Senior Jail Superintendent of Lakshmipur District Jail, Md. Nazrul Islam, confirmed that Bashar had been brought to the jail on January 16 in connection with a robbery case. He stated that Bashar’s two fellow suspects informed him that Bashar had been severely beaten by the DB police after his arrest. Upon learning this, Bashar was treated at the jail hospital. The cause of death will be determined after an autopsy, and the body will be handed over to the family. Authorities are investigating the incident amid growing allegations of police misconduct.
Incidentally, On Tuesday, while in custody, Bashar reportedly suffered from shortness of breath and was treated at the jail hospital. The following morning, his condition worsened, and he was rushed to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, where he was declared dead later on .
