Former Minister’s Death in Jail Sparks Anger Across Bangladesh, Supporters Call It Murder

Dhaka: There is a stir again in the politics of Bangladesh. Senior Awami League leader and former minister Ramesh Chandra Sen died in jail. He was 86 years old, but his death has raised more questions about circumstances than age.

What happened that morning?

Ramesh Chandra Sen's health suddenly deteriorated in Dinajpur District Jail at around 9 am on Saturday morning. He became unconscious. The jail administration immediately took him to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital. Doctors there declared him dead within half an hour—at 9:29 a.m.

The jail said that he already had heart disease and other chronic diseases. But his close relatives and some people say that proper treatment and monitoring were not being done in the jail. 

What was the situation after the arrest?

Ramesh Chandra Sen was arrested in August 2024 after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Three cases including murder were registered against him. At the time of his arrest, a photo had gone viral on social media – a rope was tied around his hands. Many people felt pain after seeing that picture. When many leaders were fleeing the country or going into hiding, Sen decided to stay at home. He had said – “I have not done anything wrong, so what is there to be afraid of?”

Who was Ramesh Chandra Sen?

Ramesh Chandra Sen, born on 30 April 1940, was elected MP five times from Thakurgaon-1 seat. He was counted among the prominent leaders of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh. He was the Water Resources Minister from 2009 to 2014. He was also a Presidium member of Awami League. A political journey of more than three decades, strong hold on the area – all this was his identity.

What are people saying about death?

Debate has erupted on social media. Some are saying that the death was due to a common disease, some are saying that there was negligence in the jail or even a conspiracy. Several senior Awami League leaders have died in jail in recent months. In such a situation, this incident is further weakening the trust of the people. Some people of Dhaka are openly asking – was it just illness or something else?

After all, what is the truth – just natural death or a bigger question?

What is clear now is that the death is said to be due to illness. But the whole truth will emerge only through investigation. The death of an experienced leader has raised serious questions on the prison system and political environment of Bangladesh. This is not just the story of one person—it is a reflection of an environment where trust between politics and security seems to be slowly eroding.