Dhaka, February 7 – In a shocking incident that has ignited widespread fury, senior Awami League leader and former minister Ramesh Chandra Sen passed away in Dinajpur District Jail while under police custody. The 84-year-old politician fell ill on Saturday morning, and despite being rushed to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, he was declared dead at 9:29 AM.
Local media reports, citing official sources, confirm that Sen had been arrested last August 16 and transferred to the Dinajpur jail. He faced three pending cases, including one related to murder. Jail superintendent Farhad Sarkar stated that all legal formalities would be completed before handing over the body to his family.
This death marks yet another tragic loss for Awami League members in custody since the party’s ouster amid massive student-led protests in 2024. Critics are now pointing fingers at the interim government under Muhammad Yunus, accusing it of systematic political persecution and targeted actions against former regime loyalists.
Born on April 30, 1940, in Kashalgaon village of Thakurgaon, Sen was the son of Kshitindra Mohan Sen and Baleshwari Sen. After completing higher education at Rangpur Carmichael College, he entered public life and politics, securing election to Bangladesh’s parliament five times, most recently in 2024 from Thakurgaon-1 constituency as Water Resources Minister.
His sudden demise has amplified calls for a thorough investigation into jail conditions and the circumstances surrounding custodial deaths. Opposition voices are demanding accountability, warning that such events could deepen Bangladesh’s political divides at a fragile time. As the nation grapples with transition, this case underscores the urgent need for transparent justice mechanisms to restore public trust.
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from Awami League supporters, who gathered outside the hospital, raising slogans against alleged foul play. Political analysts fear it could fuel unrest, complicating the interim government’s efforts to stabilize the country ahead of promised elections.