BNP man dies in army custody

A BNP leader died in army custody in Chuadanga in the early hours of yesterday, triggering protests and condemnation.

 The deceased was identified as Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 52, general secretary of the BNP’s Jibannagar municipal unit. 

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

Family members, local residents and party leaders alleged that he was tortured to death after being picked up by some army personnel.

However, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a press release yesterday afternoon, said Dablu died after falling ill during a joint forces operation.

According to the release, joint forces conducted a special operation around 11:00pm on Monday, acting on specific intelligence to recover illegal firearms.

During the operation, Dablu was detained from a pharmacy near Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, on allegations of possessing illegal weapons, the release said.

Based on information obtained from him, the patrol team later searched the pharmacy and recovered a 9mm pistol, one magazine and four rounds of ammunition, it added.

After the operation, Dablu reportedly fell ill and lost consciousness. He was immediately taken to the upazila health complex, where the on-duty physician declared him dead at around 12:25am, according to the release.

Describing the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate”, the ISPR said it was “in no way acceptable”. It added that the camp commander and all other army personnel concerned had been withdrawn to the cantonment following the death.

A high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the actual cause of the incident, the release said, adding that legal action would be taken under army law against those found responsible.

Local Sramik Dal leader Shafiqul Islam Khoka said Dablu owned Hafiza Pharmacy, located opposite Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex.

 He alleged that army personnel picked Dablu up from the pharmacy on Monday night and took him about 50 metres away to the BNP’s local office.

 Khoka showed journalists a room inside the office and claimed Dablu was assaulted there for nearly two hours. 

 He also alleged that Dablu was gagged during the assault.

 Habibur Rahman, general secretary of BNP’s Ward No. 8 unit in Jibannagar municipality, said he was present when Dablu was taken to the party office.

 He told journalists that Dablu was tied up and slapped, after which the mobile phones of those present were seized. 

Dablu was then taken inside, his hands tied, and beaten severely for about one and a half hours, Rahman alleged, adding that he died there. 

 Army personnel later took Dablu to hospital, both Rahman and Khoka said.

 Jibannagar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Mokbul Hossain said Dablu was brought to the health complex at 12:16am yesterday.

Speaking to The Daily Star at the health complex yesterday noon, Dablu’s wife Jesmin Nahar said, “How can a healthy person die just after being picked up? This was a planned killing. Army personnel picked him up from his own pharmacy and killed him.”

Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossen said the autopsy was completed yesterday at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, and the body was handed over to family members in the evening.

 Protesting the death, locals and BNP activists staged a demonstration from morning to noon, blocking the main gate of the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex and chanting slogans demanding justice.

 District BNP leaders also submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, demanding a fair trial.

 “We have already informed the Cabinet Division, the Election Commission and the home ministry about this matter,” the DC said.

 Chuadanga Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam said police were not informed about the operation.

 “The army conducted an operation around 11:00pm on Monday night. We later came to know about it. Police were not informed,” he said, adding that doctors declared Dablu dead after he was taken to hospital.

 Jibannagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sholayman Sheak said no case had been filed as of last evening. He said Dablu was accused in 12 political cases involving attacks and clashes, but could not confirm whether there were any cases related to arms or gold smuggling.

 BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, in a condolence message, strongly condemned the death and urged the army chief to intervene. He demanded justice through a fair and impartial investigation.

 “We believe that incidents of this kind carried out by members of the law enforcement agencies are not good for the country. The killing of Shamsuzzaman through torture in an extrajudicial manner is a gross violation of the country’s prevailing laws,” he said.

 Rights organisations Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) and Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) also demanded a proper and neutral investigation, terming the incident a grave violation of human rights.

 In a statement, ASK said a death in custody is not only a tragedy for the victim’s family but also a blow to the constitution, the rule of law and the state’s obligation to protect fundamental rights, stressing that no member of the security forces is above the law.

 In a separate statement, MSF said allegations of death due to torture during an arms recovery operation constitute a serious human rights violation and are unacceptable.

 “Any allegation of death in the custody of a law enforcement agency demands a thorough investigation, because ensuring the safety of any person in state custody is a legal responsibility of the law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.

 [Our Kushtia correspondent contributed to this report.]