A senior Jamaat-e-Islami leader from Thakurgaon has been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Rangpur Medical College Hospital after falling ill following his detention at Syedpur Airport with a large sum of cash.
Belal Uddin Pradhan, ameer of Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami, was taken to the hospital after complaining of chest pain and physical complications, doctors said.
Dr Haripada Roy, head of the cardiology department at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, said abnormalities were found in his ECG. “He is a diabetic patient and also suffers from multiple health issues. Necessary medical tests are underway,” he added.
Professor Dr Azharul Islam of the cardiology department at Rangpur Community Medical College Hospital, who is part of the treatment team, said the patient is not yet out of danger. “There are preliminary signs of a heart attack. After receiving full test reports, we will decide whether an angiogram is required,” he said.
Police detained Belal Uddin Pradhan on Wednesday morning at Syedpur Airport while he was carrying cash. During interrogation, he reportedly fell ill and was first taken to Syedpur Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was later shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in the afternoon.
Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zahidul Islam said Tk 7.4 million was seized from his possession. “The seized money and relevant documents are being verified. Legal action will be taken following the investigation,” he said.
Rangpur Range DIG Aminul Islam said a general diary (GD) has been filed in connection with the incident and the matter will be forwarded to the Electoral Inquiry Committee.
Meanwhile, Jamaat leaders have claimed the money was legally carried. Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat Secretary KM Anwarul Haque Kajol said Belal Uddin Pradhan is also a businessman and was transporting the money for business purposes in compliance with existing rules.
He further alleged that excessive mental pressure during interrogation led to the deterioration of Pradhan’s health condition.
