Madaripur, July 28 (V7N) - Yusuf Ali Mia, a 70-year-old leader of the Awami League in Bangladesh, passed away while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday morning. He had been in custody at the Madaripur District Jail when his health deteriorated suddenly.
 
According to prison authorities, Yusuf Ali fell seriously ill on Sunday afternoon. He was initially taken to the 250-bed Madaripur District Hospital for emergency treatment. However, as his condition worsened, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he died the following morning.
 
Yusuf Ali was a resident of the Kanaipur area in Rajair upazila and lived with his family in the residential neighborhood of Tekerhat. He was widely known in the local community, both for his political involvement and business leadership. In addition to serving as the vice-president of the Rajair Upazila Awami League and a member of the Madaripur District Awami League, he was also president of the local Pharmaceutical Traders Association.
 
Dr. Akhil Sarkar, the medical officer at Madaripur District Jail, stated that Yusuf Ali suddenly fell ill in custody. “We provided him with immediate medical attention and transferred him to the district hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Preliminary assessments suggest that he died of cardiac complications,” he said. The body is currently at Dhaka Medical College for autopsy, after which it will be handed over to the family.
 
Yusuf Ali had been in custody since February 9, following his arrest in connection with a criminal case involving violence at Rajair Police Station. The case, filed by Shah Alam Sheikh—also known as Kobbas Sheikh—from Pathankandi village in Ishibpur Union—related to incidents of vandalism, looting, and a bomb blast that allegedly occurred on November 28. Yusuf Ali was listed as the 64th accused in the case. Although he secured bail from the High Court, he was re-arrested under a separate case filed by Rajair Police and had remained incarcerated for nearly six months.
 
Superintendent of Madaripur District Jail, Shah Rafiqul Islam, confirmed that Yusuf Ali's health began to fail on Sunday afternoon. "He received immediate medical attention inside the prison and was then sent to the district hospital. As his condition became critical, we ensured his urgent transfer to Dhaka. Despite all efforts, he passed away this morning," he said. The autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.
 
His death has drawn attention to the conditions of prisoners held under prolonged detention and the healthcare facilities available to them in custody.
 
END/SMR/SMA/