Shahjahan Bhuiya, a former death row inmate turned executioner, who gained brief fame on TikTok after his release from prison, has passed away in Dhaka. Bhuiya, known for hanging high-profile inmates in exchange for sentence reductions, was 66 at the time of his death. Despite discrepancies in his age, he published a memoir detailing his experience as a hangman, putting 26 inmates to death.
Having served 42 years for robbery and murder, Bhuiya was released early last year for good behavior and conducting executions. He became popular on TikTok and ran a tea stall after his release. Bhuiya expressed little remorse for his role in executing politicians and military officers, stating that he was courageous for carrying out the hangings.
Despite having little contact with his family, Bhuiya’s sister confirmed his death and shared that he had three sisters and was born in Narsingdi. He had enlisted in the army but dropped out and later held a leadership position in the Communist Party of Bangladesh. Amnesty International reports that Bangladesh sentences hundreds of prisoners to death annually, and Bhuiya’s executioner duties were typical in the country.
With a blunt outlook on his past as an executioner, Bhuiya expressed a desire to live well after his release from prison. His story sheds light on the complex dynamics of the criminal justice system and the individuals involved in carrying out death sentences in Bangladesh.
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