Army withdrawn from Chuadanga: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday that all army personnel involved in the operation have been withdrawn following the death of a BNP leader while in army custody in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga district.

At the same time, a high-level investigation committee has been formed to determine the actual cause of the incident and to take appropriate action, according to an ISPR press release.

The release said a special joint-forces operation was conducted to recover illegal weapons based on specific intelligence in Jibannagar upazila on January 12 at around 11pm. During the operation, Md Shamsuz-zaman alias Dablu, 50, was arrested on allegations of possessing illegal firearms from a pharmacy adjacent to the Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex.

Later, based on information provided by the arrested person, the patrol team searched the pharmacy and recovered a 9mm pistol, one magazine and four rounds of ammunition.

After the operation, the detainee reportedly fell ill and became unconscious. He was immediately taken to Jibannagar Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty physician declared him dead at around 12:25am.

The ISPR described the incident as unexpected, tragic and unacceptable. It said a high-level investigation committee has been formed, and the camp commander along with all army personnel involved in the operation have been withdrawn to the cantonment pending the inquiry.

The ISPR added that appropriate legal action would be taken against those found responsible, in accordance with military law.

Meanwhile, local residents said the death of the BNP leader in army custody has triggered widespread tension in Jibannagar, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death and sparking protests across the town.