Senior Bangladesh Awami League leader and noted musician Proloy Chaki has passed away at 60 while in jail custody. He was undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Hindustan Times reported.
ANI reported that Proloy Chaki suffered a cardiac arrest in Pabna Jail on Friday, after which he was taken to the Pabna General Hospital. He was shifted to the Rajshahi Medical College on Sunday, owing to worsening condition. Chaki breathed his last on Sunday around 9 PM.
Who was Proloy Chaki?
Proloy Chaki was a well-known figure in Bangladesh's political and cultural circles. A celebrated singer, he was known for spreading secular and progressive ideas through music across Bangladesh.
Chaki gained stardom in the 1980s and 90s through his music performances on Bangladesh Television (BTV). He became a household name, and for many, Chaki's death marks 'the end of an era,' Financial Express reported.
He was known for his collaborations with his brother Moloy Chaki, and the 'Chaki Brothers' were a big part of Bangladesh's cultural scene for a considerable amount of time.
A leader of the now-banned Bangladesh Awami League, Proloy Chaki, was also known for his political activities. He served as the party's Cultural Affairs Secretary for the Pabna District unit.
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Why was Proloy Chaki jailed?
Proloy Chaki was arrested at his residence on December 16, 2025. He was held for allegedly being linked to an explosion that happened during the protests against Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Chaki's son has claimed that his father was initially not named in any case, but was later arrested.
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Allegations of negligence have been levelled against the jail authorities by the family members and people close to Proloy Chaki. The singer's son has said that his father was suffering from severe health issues. Refuting the claims of negligence, Bangladesh authorities have claimed that Chaki was regularly being given medication for diabetes and cardiac issues.
Proloy Chaki's death comes amid a series of violent attacks targeting minority communities in Bangladesh in recent months.
