Rangamati, Aug 23 (V7N) — A retired ship captain died after falling critically ill in Rangamati, where he had travelled from Dhaka with his elder brother to consult a traditional healer over what the family described as a personal and family-related problem.

The deceased was identified as M. A. Hossain Azkari, 60. His body has been kept at the mortuary of Rangamati General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

According to hospital records and family documents, Hossain was the son of the late Abdus Sattar and the late Hosne Ara Begum. His permanent address is Rampur Saudagar Bari in Ward 17 of Feni Sadar, Feni.

Police and hotel sources said Hossain and his elder brother, M. A. Hachain Mashraki, a retired customs intelligence officer, travelled from Dhaka to Rangamati by a Shyamoli NR Travels bus at around 10:30pm on Friday, Aug 21.

They arrived in Rangamati at around 7:30am on Saturday and checked into Room 417 at Hotel Square Park near Doel Chattar.

At around 10am, the two brothers left the hotel and had breakfast at a nearby restaurant. They then went to the residence of a local traditional healer, identified as Swapan Kabiraj, in Asambasti, reportedly seeking help with a family-related problem.

After staying there for some time, they returned to the hotel at around 2:30pm.

At approximately 3:15pm, Hossain began feeling unwell and his condition deteriorated. His elder brother informed hotel authorities, who quickly arranged a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw to take him to Rangamati General Hospital.

However, doctors at the hospital declared him dead after examination.

Rangamati General Hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr Shawkat Akbar Khan said the patient appeared to have died before arriving at the hospital.

“The patient had already died before being brought to the hospital. The body has been kept at the mortuary to determine the exact cause of death. The cause will be established after the autopsy,” he said.

Hospital sources said they informed police after finding the behaviour and statements of the deceased’s elder brother, who had accompanied him, suspicious. However, no conclusion regarding the circumstances of the death has been reached.

Rangamati Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Jasim Uddin said police had received information about the death of a visitor who had been staying at Hotel Square Park.

“He fell ill and was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead. Arrangements are being made for an autopsy, and we are examining all aspects of the incident. Information about his family and other relevant matters is also being collected. Necessary legal action will be taken based on the investigation,” he said.

Neyaz Ahmed, owner of Hotel Square Park, said the two men arrived from Dhaka on Saturday morning, left their luggage at the hotel and went outside.

“After returning to the hotel, the deceased’s brother told us that his brother had fallen ill. Our staff immediately arranged transport and sent him to Rangamati General Hospital,” he said.

The body remains at the mortuary of Rangamati General Hospital. Police personnel, including Sadar Police Outpost Inspector Ashekin, are investigating the incident.

Authorities said the exact cause of death would be determined after the autopsy report is received.

END/AMR/SMA/