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Proloy Chaki, Awami League Cultural Leader, Dies in Custody After Jail Transfer

No independent inquiry has been announced, with rights groups urging transparency over custodial deaths.

Overview

  • Jail officials say the 60-year-old musician and Pabna Awami League cultural affairs secretary suffered a medical emergency, was moved from Pabna General Hospital to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, and died there around 9 pm on 11 January.
  • Authorities cite pre-existing diabetes and heart disease and say procedures were followed, while his family alleges he was denied timely care, not placed in a coronary unit, kept in a prisoner cell, and subjected to mistreatment.
  • Chaki was detained on 16 December from his Pabna home and later shown arrested in a case linked to an 4 August 2024 explosion during the protest unrest.
  • Supporters of the Awami League claim his death fits a wider pattern of custodial fatalities during a crackdown on party members under the interim government, with activists asserting dozens have died in custody.
  • Officials say standard steps are underway and an official report is expected, but calls for an independent probe continue as questions persist about medical handling and notification of his family.