Shariatpur AL leader dies at hospital while in jail custody

A local Shariatpur Awami League leader and an accused in an anti-terrorism case filed died while undergoing treatment at Faridpur Medical College Hospital after falling ill in jail today.

Abdul Jabbar Ojha, 60, died after suffering a heart attack, said Shawkat Hossain Mia, superintendent of Faridpur District Jail.

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Jabbar, of Dinara village in Chamta union of Naria upazila, was the organising secretary of Chamta union unit of the Shariatpur Awami League, whose activities remain banned.

Following a procession of leaders and activists of the Awami League in December last year, a case was filed with Naria Police Station against several people, including Jabbar.

He had been in Shariatpur District Jail since September 8 in connection with the case, said jailer Rezaul Karim of the jail.

He said Jabbar had been suffering from shortness of breath and abdominal pain. When he fell ill yesterday afternoon, he was sent to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital for treatment. From there, he was sent to Faridpur Medical College Hospital through Faridpur District Jail. He died while undergoing treatment at around 1:00pm today.

Jail Superintendent Shawkat said Jabbar’s body will be handed over to his relatives after autopsy.