AL leader Proloy Chaki dies in jail custody in Rajshahi

Proloy Chaki, a musician and an Awami League leader, died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital last night while in jail custody.

Proloy, 60, was the cultural affairs secretary of Pabna district unit of the Awami League. He was arrested from his residence in Dilalpur area of Pabna town on December 16 and later shown arrested in a case linked to an explosion incident on August 4, 2024 during July Uprising.

Pabna Jail Superintendent Md Omar Faruk said Proloy had been suffering from multiple health complications, including diabetes and heart disease.

“He suffered a cardiac arrest and was first taken to Pabna General Hospital on Friday,” the jail superintendent said.

“As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he died around 9:00pm (yesterday).”

The body will be handed over to his family today after completion of legal formalities, he added.

However, family members and associates have alleged negligence and inadequate medical care during his detention.

His son, Sony Chaki, said his father was arrested despite not being named in any case at the time.

“He was later shown arrested in an explosives case related to the August 4 violence,” he said.

“My father had been suffering from diabetes and heart disease for a long time. His condition worsened in jail, but the authorities did not officially inform us,” Sony alleged.

“We rushed to the hospital after being informed by others, but he did not receive proper treatment, which led to his death.”

Rejecting the allegations, Jail Superintendent Omar Faruk said Proloy was provided medication based on his medical records.

“He was taken to hospital as soon as his condition became critical,” he said.

Bhaskar Chowdhury, secretary of the Pabna Sammilito Shangskritik Jote, said Proloy was a prominent cultural activist of the 1990s.

“He was a renowned singer and music director beyond his political identity. He also served as secretary of Shree Shree Ram Krishna Shebashrom in Pabna. We cannot accept his death in this manner,” he said.