Proloy Chaki, a senior Hindu leader of Bangladesh’s Awami League and a well-known cultural figure, died on Sunday night at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital while in police custody, prompting allegations from his family that jail authorities failed to provide timely and adequate medical treatment. The 60-year-old had been arrested in connection with a blast case linked to the 2024 anti-discrimination student movement, which later escalated into the so-called “July Uprising” that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Chaki served as the cultural affairs secretary of the Awami League’s Pabna district unit and was also recognised for his contributions to music and cultural activism. His death was first reported by Bangladeshi daily The Daily Star.
Confirming the incident, Pabna Jail Superintendent Md Omor Faruque said Chaki had been suffering from several serious health conditions. “Proloy Chaki was suffering from severe issues related to diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems,” Faruque said. “Because of this, the prison doctors first sent him to Pabna Sadar Hospital, and from there he was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on Friday night.”
“He passed away after 9 p.m. on Sunday while still under medical treatment at the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital,” the jail superintendent added.
Members of the cultural fraternity expressed shock over his death. Bhaskar Chowdhury, secretary of the Pabna Sammilito Shangskritik Jote, described Chaki as a leading cultural activist of the 1990s.
“He was a renowned singer and music director beyond his political identity,” Chowdhury said. “He also served as secretary of Shree Shree Ram Krishna Shebashrom in Pabna. We cannot accept his death in this manner.”
Chaki’s family has alleged negligence by jail authorities, claiming his deteriorating health was not properly addressed during his detention. His son, Sony Chaki, said his father was initially arrested without being named in any case. “He was later shown arrested in an explosives case related to the August 4 violence,” he told The Daily Star.
“My father had been suffering from diabetes and heart disease for a long time,” Sony alleged. “His condition worsened in jail, but the authorities did not officially inform us.”
“We rushed to the hospital after being informed by others, but he did not receive proper treatment, which led to his death,” he added.
The jail authorities, however, rejected the allegations. Faruque insisted that Chaki was given medication in accordance with his medical records. “He was taken to the hospital as soon as his condition became critical,” he said.
Proloy Chaki’s death comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. In recent months, incidents of mob violence and targeted attacks have reportedly increased, particularly following the political transition under interim chief Muhammad Yunus.
India has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on minority communities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. According to the 2022 census, around 13.13 million Hindus live in the country, making up roughly 7.95 per cent of the population.
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its next general election on February 12, a crucial political milestone following the student-led movement that resulted in Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
