Ramesh Chandra Sen's Death in Custody Raises Concerns in Bangladesh

Ramesh Chandra Sen, a former water resources minister of Bangladesh, died in custody on Saturday, heightening scrutiny regarding the treatment of detained officials. His death occurred just days before the general election scheduled for February 12, 2026, renewing concerns over custodial deaths in the country.

Sen reportedly fell ill while being held at Dinajpur District Jail. Local sources indicate that he experienced health issues in the early hours and was subsequently transported to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital around 9:10 am. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at 9:29 am.

According to reports from The Dhaka Tribune, the former minister faced multiple charges, including a murder allegation, after his arrest on August 16, 2025. Following his death, Farhad Sarkar, the superintendent of Dinajpur District Jail, confirmed that the body would be released to the family once legal procedures were completed.

Born on April 30, 1940, in Thakurgaon district, Ramesh Chandra Sen was a long-standing member of the Awami League and served as a Member of Parliament five times, representing the Thakurgaon-1 constituency. He held the position of water resources minister and was also involved as a praesidium member of the party, indicating his significant role within Awami League leadership.

His political career faced disruption when the Awami League government collapsed, following widespread student protests and public dissent. The subsequent dissolution of Parliament by President Mohammad Sahabuddin resulted in several Awami League MPs, including Sen, losing their positions.

Sen’s death in custody has prompted human rights organisations and activists to call for thorough and unbiased investigations. They have stressed the importance of ensuring the proper treatment of political detainees, aiming to foster accountability within the justice system. These calls for action highlight the ongoing need for reforms to protect the rights of citizens in custody and to build public trust.

As Bangladesh approaches its general elections, the circumstances surrounding Ramesh Chandra Sen's demise are likely to amplify conversations about custodial abuse and the welfare of detained politicians, stressing the critical role of accountability in maintaining democratic integrity.