The sudden death of Ramesh Chandra Sen, a prominent Awami League stalwart and former cabinet minister, in police custody has triggered a firestorm of controversy in Bangladesh. Occurring inside Dinajpur District Jail on February 7, the incident has spotlighted the perils faced by political detainees in the country’s turbulent transition period.
Details emerged that Sen, aged 84, took ill abruptly and was ferried to the local medical college at 9:10 AM. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed minutes later. Arrested on August 16 amid post-uprising crackdowns, he was embroiled in three cases, including a murder charge.
Hailing from Thakurgaon’s Ruhia Union, Sen built a legacy as a five-term MP and key player in water resources policy. Educated locally, his career peaked until the 2024 protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, ending his latest term.
Jail authorities, led by Superintendent Farhad Sarkar, confirmed the sequence of events and pledged a smooth handover of remains post-formalities. Yet, the narrative extends beyond one man’s passing: it’s part of a disturbing pattern of Awami League deaths in detention, stoking fears of orchestrated suppression by the Muhammad Yunus interim setup.
Street demonstrations and online campaigns decry police lapses, demanding forensic autopsies and accountability. This tragedy arrives at a juncture when Bangladesh seeks stability, highlighting the imperative for impartial inquiries to heal divisions.
As tributes pour in for Sen’s public service, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political upheaval. Stakeholders across the spectrum must prioritize justice to avert escalating tensions and foster genuine reconciliation.