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The death of Awami League leader Ishaque Ali Khan Panna, found deceased at a betel nut plantation near the India-Bangladesh border, has sparked a diplomatic response between the two nations. The Meghalaya Government, the state where Panna’s body was discovered, officially handed over his remains to Bangladesh authorities on August 31, 2024. This action signifies a crucial step in the international collaboration to investigate this incident, which has drawn significant attention from both governments.
The discovery of Panna’s body on August 26, 2024, in the Dona Bhoi area of Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, triggered a series of procedures to determine the cause of death and facilitate the return of his remains. The body was found approximately 1.5 kilometers from the border, highlighting the potential transnational nature of the case. Officials in Meghalaya reported that Bangladesh dispatched an authorized representative to retrieve the body from the Khliehriat Civil Hospital, where it had been transported following the discovery.
After proper identification and completion of necessary legal documentation, the body was formally handed over to the Bangladeshi official. Subsequently, the deceased leader’s remains were transported to a designated border crossing point at Dawki, where representatives of the Border Security Force (India) and the Border Guard Bangladesh (Bangladesh) coordinated the transfer. From Dawki, Panna’s body was taken to Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district via Tamabil, marking the final stage of the repatriation process.
Meghalaya authorities conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Panna’s death, with police officers relying on a passport found on his body for identification. While the state government has refrained from publicly disclosing the findings of the post-mortem examination, local media reports, citing unnamed police officials, suggested that asphyxia due to strangulation was the probable cause of death. This claim, however, requires official confirmation through the release of the comprehensive forensic report.
Prior to the handover of the body, the Meghalaya Government notified both New Delhi and Dhaka about the incident and the ongoing investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also holds the position of Home Minister, affirmed on August 30, 2024, that Panna’s relatives had identified the body and were traveling to Meghalaya. Tynsong further emphasized that the conclusive cause of death would only be established once the results of the forensic tests were available, and the case would be subjected to further investigation.
Source: Meghalaya hands over body of Awami League leader to Bangladesh