Bank official dies in rehab centre

A bank official died at a drug addiction rehabilitation centre in Bogura on Tuesday night, with his family alleging that he was tortured to death.

The facility’s authorities have denied the allegations.

According to Bogura Sadar Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Monirul Islam, “Samiul Hasan Shuvo, 33, senior officer at Janata Bank’s Dupchanchia branch, died at ‘Mayer Ashroy’ -- a rehabilitation centre in the Sabgram area of Bogura. He was the son of Shafiullah from Kazipara village in Kahaloo upazila. Two employees of the rehabilitation centre have been taken into custody for questioning.

“The body has been sent to the morgue for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. No formal written complaint has yet been filed by the family.”

According to police and hospital sources, Samiul was taken to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital on Tuesday evening, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Zillur Rahman, deputy director of the Bogura Narcotics Control, said Samiul had been admitted to the centre on February 13 for rehabilitation from his long-term addiction.

“The centre’s authorities claim Samiul had stopped eating on Tuesday afternoon and became unresponsive in the evening, after which they rushed him to the hospital.

“Authorities are reviewing the facility’s CCTV footage. Legal action will be taken if evidence of criminal negligence or torture is found,” he added.

Samiul’s family alleged he was subjected to torture at the facility. His brother-in-law, ATM Farhad, told local journalists that though Samiul was struggling with mental health issues when he was admitted to the facility, he was physically healthy.

“He was tortured to death…. There are injury marks on many parts of his body.”

The executive director and manager of the rehabilitation centre were unavailable for comment as they are in police custody.