Md. Rashed, a 35-year-old inmate at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, tragically passed away on Wednesday after suddenly falling ill. The emergency occurred in the late afternoon, around 3:45 pm, when he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where doctors pronounced him dead.
Prison officer Md. Sujan reported that Rashed had been healthy until midday when he suddenly became unwell. Authorities acted quickly, arranging an emergency transfer to DMCH, but despite the swift response, he could not be saved.
Rashed was serving a sentence under the Drug Control Act for a case registered at Motijheel Police Station (Case No. 10(2)22). His prison ID number was 755/A, and his father is named Golam Rabbani.
Officer-in-charge Md. Faruk of the DMCH hospital police camp confirmed the death. The body has been placed in the hospital morgue, pending a post-mortem examination, which will be conducted in the presence of an executive magistrate. The findings will then be released and the body handed to the family.
This incident highlights growing concerns over health and emergency preparedness in Bangladesh’s prisons. Experts stress the need for improved medical facilities, regular health screenings, and better monitoring to prevent sudden deaths. Human rights organisations have urged authorities to ensure the wellbeing of inmates and implement preventive health measures.
The sudden death of Rashed has drawn attention to the broader issues of overcrowding, limited medical resources, and inadequate care in the nation’s central prisons. Authorities have promised a full review of the incident to ensure accountability and improve inmate safety.