Today, Tuesday (August 25, 2026), in the early hours of the morning, Mohammad Kalam Sheikh (40), a detainee from Dhaka's Keraniganj Central Jail, passed away while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College (DMCH) Hospital. He was quickly rescued and brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after suddenly falling ill in jail. In this incident, jail authorities and hospital administration are taking the necessary subsequent steps as per regulations, which is an integral part of the country's legal process.
According to information received from jail sources, Mohammad Kalam Sheikh suddenly fell seriously ill inside the central jail on Monday (August 24). As his physical condition rapidly deteriorated, jail authorities immediately assessed the situation and decided to provide necessary medical assistance. He was swiftly taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday afternoon. After initial examinations, the doctors on duty understood the seriousness of his condition and decided to admit him to the hospital's medicine department.
Hospital sources stated that Kalam Sheikh was transferred from the emergency department to ward number 601 of DMCH's medicine department. There, he was receiving treatment under the close observation of experienced doctors, and maximum efforts were being made to restore his health. However, all efforts failed, and he breathed his last while undergoing treatment around 5:30 AM on Tuesday. The news of his death was promptly and formally communicated to the jail authorities and the concerned police station.
The permanent address of the deceased Mohammad Kalam Sheikh is in the Bajitpur area of Rajbari district. His father's name is the late Gendu Sheikh. His detainee number in the central jail was 299/26. Although he was imprisoned in a specific case, neither the jail guard who brought him to the hospital nor the hospital authorities had any specific detailed information about it immediately. Detailed information on this matter may be obtained later from the jail authorities, which could be disclosed as part of the investigation.
Md. Faruk, the In-Charge (Inspector) of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital Police Camp, confirmed this tragic death. He informed the media that the body is currently kept in the DMCH hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. Detailed information about the actual and specific cause of Mohammad Kalam Sheikh's death will only be known after receiving the post-mortem report. This is a mandatory legal process followed in all deaths of detainees.
Inspector Faruk further stated that the Keraniganj jail authorities have already been formally informed about Kalam Sheikh's death. After the post-mortem process is completed and legal formalities are over, Mohammad Kalam Sheikh's body will be handed over to his family. Sources indicate that the process of conveying this sad news to the family has also begun, which will be a difficult time for the family members.
Incidents of illness and deaths of detainees while undergoing treatment in various prisons across the country frequently make headlines, raising questions about the healthcare provided to prisoners. In every such case, the government and jail authorities pledge to ascertain the cause through proper investigation and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future. Mohammad Kalam Sheikh's death is also considered part of this ongoing trend, where the post-mortem results will play a crucial role and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
In such incidents, public concern often arises regarding the quality of healthcare and medical facilities for detainees. Although jail authorities always claim to ensure the best possible treatment for prisoners, deaths due to illness highlight the shortcomings of this system and indicate the need for improvement. It is hoped that the cause of Mohammad Kalam Sheikh's death will be thoroughly investigated, and if any negligence is found, necessary action will be taken, ensuring transparency and accountability.
