Gaibandha AL leader dies in hospital while in jail custody

A local leader of the Bangladesh Awami League died at Rangpur Medical College and Hospital on Sunday while in jail custody.

The deceased, Shamikul Islam Lipon, was president of the Gaibandha district unit of the Awami League.

Lipon, who had been in custody for an extended period in connection with a case filed with Sadar Police Station, fell ill early Sunday, according to prison officials.

He was first taken to Gaibandha Sadar Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Anwar Hossain, Jail Super of Gaibandha District Jail, said Lipon had previously received medical treatment while in custody.

Police arrested him from the Moghbazar area of Dhaka on December 8, 2024. He had remained in jail since then.

Lipon began his political career in 1996 as president of Palashbari Upazila Jubo League. He later served as organising secretary of Palashbari Upazila Awami League, became its general secretary in 2016, and had been serving as president since 2018.    �"UNB