Dhaka: A local leader of the disbanded Awami League has died in a hospital while being in the custody of a jail in Kishoreganj district despite being granted bail a day earlier, according to a media report.
Ranjit Kumar Ghosh, 75, general secretary of the Chowddoshata union unit of the Awami League in Kishoreganj Sadar upazila, had been incarcerated in the Kishoreganj District Jail since August this year.
His relatives said that Ghosh was arrested by the police in connection with a case related to the July Uprising, when massive student-led protests led to the ouster of then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He was subsequently sent to jail by the court.
Ghosh was taken to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital from the jail Monday morning, where he was declared dead shortly after his arrival, the Daily Star newspaper reported Monday.
Jail Superintendent Jahanara Begum said Ghosh was suffering from various old age-related ailments, including respiratory distress and diabetes.
He had been receiving regular medical care at the prison’s internal medical facility, she said.
However, after his condition suddenly deteriorated around 10 am Monday, prison authorities transported him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 10.45 am, the jail superintendent said.
The jail superintendent further said that though bail was granted to Ghosh Sunday, the prison authorities had not received the necessary release clearance by the end of the day. That is why he could not be released.
Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League has been barred from participating in the country’s political activities and elections following her removal from power in August 2024.