Bangladeshi man imprisoned in India dies

Authorities are working to bring the body home, a Kaikhali Union council member says

A Bangladeshi national from Satkhira’s Shyamnagar Upazila jailed in India for the last 18 months has died.

He was identified as 48-year-old Md Ashraf Hossain, the son of Abdul Hamid from Kaikhali Union in Shyamnagar.

Ashraf died on Mar 6 at the Dum Dum jail in West Bengal due to “illness”. Shyamnagar Upazila executive officer, or UNO, Rony Khatun confirmed the matter, citing Kaikhali Union council member Mohammad Ali.

Ashraf’s wife Nasima said, “Ashraf was detained 18 months ago when he went to India to look for work. He was later sentenced to three years in jail for trespassing. We received the news of his death on Mar 7.”

She also claimed they could not arrange for his treatment due to “lack of communication”.

UNO Rony Khatun went to Ashraf’s home with aid for the family.

Shyamnagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Nazmul Huda and Livestock Officer Subrata Kumar also visited them.

“Ashraf Hossain’s family was given some food aid and cash immediately,” the UNO said. She pledged to help the family.

Ashraf is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, said Sheikh Shahinur, another Kaikhali Union council member. He added that the authorities were working to bring the body home.