Former food minister Kamrul Islam sustained a head injury after falling in a toilet at Dhaka’s Metropolitan Sessions Court on Monday.
He had been brought from Keraniganj Central Jail to attend a hearing in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
According to his lawyer, Kamrul requested to use the toilet in the court’s holding cell. While inside, he reportedly lost his balance and fell, striking the back of his head. He was immediately treated with a bandage and later transferred to the Keraniganj jail hospital for further care.
The ACC case alleges that Kamrul amassed wealth beyond his known sources of income and was involved in money laundering through multiple bank accounts.
A senior police official confirmed the incident, noting that Kamrul has a history of high blood pressure and other health issues, which may have contributed to the fall. After receiving initial treatment, he was returned to jail without being presented in court.
Senior Jail Superintendent Suraiya Akter reported that prison doctors provided immediate treatment, confirming: “Due to age-related complications and diabetes, Kamrul has physical vulnerabilities. His head didn’t fracture – just a minor cut that’s now treated. He’s stable.”
Brought from Keraniganj Jail at 9am for a corruption case hearing, Kamrul was seated alone on a wooden chair in the lockup after other prisoners were taken to court. Around 10:30am, he reportedly fell asleep on the chair before heading to the empty bathroom at 11:00 am.
“Suddenly we heard screams,” said OC Sheikh Kamal, the lockup’s in-charge. “We lifted him immediately – no skull fracture, just bleeding from a scalp cut.” A responding officer quoted Kamrul saying: “How did I fall like this?” after noticing blood on his shirt.
Five jail staff confirmed authorities informed the Sessions Judge promptly. Kamrul requested his physician son’s presence, who arrived after police notification.
Kamrul Islam, a former Awami League lawmaker from Dhaka-2, has been in detention since November 2024. He faces multiple charges, including corruption, money laundering, and involvement in several murder cases.