Custodial death: Singer reportedly denied timely medical care in Bangladesh

Dhaka: Proloy Chaki, a Hindu singer and district-level cultural secretary of Bangladesh’s Awami League, passed away on January 11, 2026, after reportedly not receiving timely medical attention while in custody at Pabna District Jail.

Chaki, who suffered from multiple chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and severe eye problems, was first admitted to Pabna General Hospital following a heart attack on January 9. He was subsequently transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, where he died around 9 pm on January 11.

Chaki’s family has accused jail authorities of negligence, claiming that delayed treatment and insufficient medical facilities contributed to his death. His son, Sani Chaki, a music director, said his father’s condition worsened due to inadequate care at Pabna General Hospital and delays in transfer. However, Pabna District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Omar Faruk denied the allegations, stating that Chaki received immediate treatment once his condition deteriorated and emphasizing his pre-existing illnesses.

Chaki had been arrested on December 16, 2025, reportedly in connection with his association with the Awami League, which is currently banned in Bangladesh. Human rights groups have cited his death as part of a broader pattern of custodial deaths in Bangladesh’s prisons. According to Ain o Salish Kendra, 107 people died in Bangladeshi jails in 2025, including 69 undertrial and 38 convicted prisoners, compared with 65 deaths in 2024.

The incident has reignited debates over the quality of healthcare in Bangladeshi prisons, particularly for inmates with chronic illnesses, and has prompted calls from legal experts and civil society activists for thorough investigations and accountability for alleged lapses. It also underscores ongoing concerns about the treatment of minority communities and political detainees in the country.