A prominent figure of the local Awami League in Palashbari upazila of Gaibandha passed away at Rangpur Medical College Hospital while under custody in jail earlier today.
The deceased, identified as Shamikul Islam, aged 60 and residing in the Bairiharinmari area of Palashbari municipal town, held the position of president within the Palashbari upazila Awami League. Additionally, he served as the vice principal of Palashbari Mohila College, as per information provided by the police.
According to Anwar Hossain, the jail superintendent of Gaibandha District Jail, Shamikul had been incarcerated on October 18, 2025, due to charges related to vandalism and assault. It was known that he had been battling heart disease and diabetes for an extended period.
Following a sudden deterioration in his health last night, Shamikul was rushed to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital. Subsequently, due to his critical condition, he was immediately referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Dr. Haripada Sarkar, the head of the Cardiology Department at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, mentioned that Shamikul was admitted to the hospital around 2:50 am today. He was experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pain at the time. Regrettably, he passed away around 3:50 am while receiving medical care.
Hospital authorities stated that following the completion of the autopsy, the body would be released to his family.
Sources from Gaibandha jail disclosed that after the Awami League-led government was removed from power on August 5, 2024, multiple legal cases were initiated against Shamikul. In one instance, he was apprehended in Dhaka on December 8 of the same year and spent a considerable period in custody. Despite being granted bail subsequently, he was re-apprehended in a separate case and imprisoned last year.
