A local BNP leader died while in army custody late Monday night, triggering widespread tension and protests across Jibannagar town in Chuadanga.
The deceased was Shamsuzzaman Dablu, 50, general secretary of the Jibannagar Municipality unit of the BNP and a resident of Hospitalpara.
According to party leaders and family members, Dablu was taken into army custody around 10pm on Monday from his business establishment named Hafiza Pharmacy located near the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex.
He reportedly died after midnight, around 12:30am. News of his death sparked anger among local residents, who blocked roads, set fire to tyres, and brought out protest marches across the town.
The army has claimed that a weapon was recovered from Dablu at the time of his detention. However, no army official agreed to speak on camera regarding the circumstances of his death.
Jibannagar Municipality unit BNP President Shahajan Kabir said the party demands a transparent and impartial investigation.
“Dablu was taken into custody at night, and we received news of his death around 1am. We want a proper investigation and exemplary punishment of those responsible,” he said.
Dablu’s brother, Shariful Islam Kajol, an upazila forest officer, alleged that his brother was killed. “My brother has been murdered. We demand justice,” he said.
Senior BNP leaders and senior government officials rushed to the scene to calm the situation and restore order.
Among them were Chuadanga district BNP President and BNP-nominated candidate for Chuadanga-2 Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, district BNP General Secretary Sharifuzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain, and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Monirul Islam.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said the BNP would pursue legal recourse.
Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said the BNP would pursue legal action. “We will not take the law into our own hands. Legal action is being prepared on behalf of the party,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death. “After the autopsy, legal action will be taken against those found responsible,” he said.
The incident has created a tense situation in Jibannagar, with demands growing for an independent investigation into the death.
