Prant (27), son of the deceased Mirza Eskender Haider of Paschim Gondardia in Madhukhali Municipality of Madhukhali Upazila of Faridpur and employee of Faridpur Sugar Mill, Ishtiaq Mirza, has died in DB police custody. Although the family has raised allegations of torture in this incident, the police say that he died after being taken to the hospital after falling ill.

According to family sources, on Saturday, June 20, Prant was staying in the Moric Bazar area of the Dhaka-Khulna highway near his house. At that time, a team of Faridpur District Detective Branch (DB) police arrested him. Later, his body was searched but nothing was found and he was taken home. Although his room was searched there, the family claims that nothing was recovered.

After the search, he was taken to the DB office. The family members were informed that he would have to be released through legal process.

The family alleges that after being detained in a completely healthy condition, they suddenly received news at around 7 am on Sunday, June 21, that Prant had died at Faridpur Medical College Hospital. They claim that he died due to police torture.

The deceased Ishtiaq Mirza Prant was working as a casual scaleman at the Faridpur Sugar Mill. He was also studying at Faridpur Law College. The family said that he was not associated with any political organization. His great-uncle was the former president of the Madhukhali Upazila Awami League and former Upazila Chairman, who died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prant’s cousin, Afreena Zaman Munni, said, “Prant was a very calm and polite boy. He had no disputes with anyone. I never thought he would lose him like this.”

Neighbor Khabiron Nesa said, “He was taken away in front of me. A proper investigation into such a death is needed.”

Prant’s aunt Nasrin Zaman said, “His father died when he was young. For a long time, he had been taking care of his mother and younger brother. Now the family is in extreme uncertainty.” She demanded a fair investigation and trial of the incident.

In this regard, Faridpur Superintendent of Police Md. Nazrul Islam said, “There are two drug cases against Ishtiaq Mirza Prant. He was arrested with drugs. When he suddenly felt sick while in the custody of DB police, he was quickly taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. He died there while undergoing treatment.”

The incident has created a huge sensation in the area. The family has demanded an impartial investigation to uncover the real cause of death.