A tea shopkeeper Md Ashiq Mia, 55, who was undergoing treatment after being injured in the tear gas fired by the police to bring the situation under control in the clash between Bhairab BNP and Awami League leaders and activists died Tuesday night.
Ashiq Mia is the son of deceased Qadir Mia of Gachtalaghat area of Paur town. The incident took place at 8am on Tuesday during the blockade program called by BNP-Jamaat.
According to locals, every day, Ashiq Mia operated his tea shop located near his home along the roadside in the Gachtalaghat area. Suddenly, during a clash between BNP and Awami League, the police fired tear gas to quell the situation. At that moment, Ashiq Mia suffered severe injuries due to the excessive gas exposure.
He was rescued by family and locals, who promptly admitted him to Bhairab Upazila Health Complex. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to Bajitpur Bhagalpur Medical College and Hospital, where he died at 9pm on Tuesday.
Sahid Mia, a relative of the deceased, said that Ashiq Mia was not involved in any political activities and spent his days running the tea shop. Ashiq Mia, who was already suffering from a heart condition, experienced exacerbated breathing problems due to the tear gas exposure, leading to his demise.
Bhairab Kuliarchar Circle Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Delwar Hossain Ashiq confirmed Ashiq Mia's death. However, the exact cause of his death, whether it was due to tear gas exposure, will be determined from the doctor's report.