A prominent member of the Awami League in Gaibandha’s Palashbari upazila passed away at Rangpur Medical College Hospital while being in prison custody early this morning.
The deceased individual, Shamikul Islam, aged 60 and residing in the Bairiharinmari region of Palashbari municipal town, held the position of president within the local Awami League chapter. He also held the role of vice principal at Palashbari Mohila College, as confirmed by the authorities.
Anwar Hossain, the superintendent of Gaibandha District Jail, reported that Shamikul had been incarcerated on October 18, 2025, following a case involving vandalism and physical assault. He had been grappling with heart disease and diabetes for an extended period.
Upon experiencing sudden illness last night, he was rushed to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital. Due to his worsening condition, he was swiftly transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced care.
Head of the Cardiology Department at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Haripada Sarkar, disclosed that Shamikul was admitted to the hospital at approximately 2:50 am today (yesterday). At that time, he was enduring breathing difficulties and chest pains. Sadly, he succumbed to his condition around 3:50 am during the treatment process.
Sources at the hospital mentioned that following the postmortem examination, the body will be released to his family.
Officials at Gaibandha jail shared that following the removal of the Awami League-led government from power on August 5, 2024, multiple legal cases were initiated against Shamikul. In one of these cases, he was apprehended in Dhaka on December 8 of the same year and detained for an extended period. Despite being granted bail subsequently, he was re-apprehended in a separate case and imprisoned last year.
