A. League leader Proloy Chakri dies in prison

Praloy Chaki, a prominent musician of the 1980s and 1990s and former cultural secretary of the now-banned Pabna District unit of the Awami League, has passed away at the age of 66. He died on Sunday night, 11 January, at 9:15 pm while undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RAMEC).

Chaki’s family has raised serious allegations against prison authorities, accusing them of gross negligence and failure to provide adequate medical care.

According to sources from Pabna District Jail and law enforcement, Chaki was arrested on the morning of 16 December last year from his home in Pathartola, Pabna town, by the District Detective Branch (DB). He was later sent to prison after being formally charged in connection with an attack on an anti-discrimination student movement.

However, Chaki’s family disputes the charges. His son stated, “My father was not involved in the alleged attack and was living at home peacefully. Nearly a year after the case was filed, he was suddenly arrested from his residence and presented as an accused.”

Chaki’s son also described severe lapses in prison care. “My father had a history of heart disease. Even after suffering a stroke, he was not admitted to the ICU and was kept in a general prisoner cell. Despite restrictions on movement, he was made to perform various tasks, which further deteriorated his health. His death resulted from the authorities’ negligence and lack of proper medical attention. We demand justice for his death due to absence of care.”

Pabna District Jail Superintendent Md. Omar Faruk confirmed Chaki’s death on Sunday evening. He stated that the musician suffered from diabetes and age-related ailments. On 9 January, while in prison, Chaki suffered a sudden stroke. He was first admitted to Pabna General Hospital and then transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, where he ultimately passed away. The jail superintendent denied any negligence on the part of prison authorities.

Praloy Chaki was widely celebrated as a distinguished singer and director. Alongside his brother Moloy Chaki, he gained nationwide recognition for performances on popular BTV programmes such as Jodi Kichu Mone Na Koren and Etcetera, among other national events during the 1980s and 1990s.

Chaki’s passing has cast a pall of grief across Pabna’s cultural community. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, and numerous admirers.

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