News Desk

Shahjahan Bhuiyan, Bangladesh’s most notorious executioner, has died at the age of 74. He was responsible for the hangings of several notable serial killers and politicians, and it is believed that had conducted at least 26 executions, though the number could also be as high as 60. According to local media reports, he had been taken to a hospital this Monday after complaints of chest pains and passed away during his treatment.

Bhuiyan, who was originally a revolutionary, became a hangman while serving a 42-year prison sentence for robbery and murder. His motivation to reduce his sentence led him to volunteer as an executioner, a decision that resulted in his release 10 years early last year. Famous individuals executed by Bhuiyan include military officers convicted of assassinating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader and father of the current prime minister. He also executed politicians Ali Ahsan Mujahid and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, who were both charged with war crimes, and the serial killer Ershad Shikder.
Bhuiyan consistently defended his role, stating:

“If I didn’t hang them, someone else would.”

Earlier this year, he published a book detailing his experiences of being a hangman and the procedures involved, which garnered a significant amount of attention. Following his release, Bhuiyan had also briefly married a woman 50 years younger than him, which had led to several legal issues.