Bangladesh's notorious executioner is dead.

Bangladesh's most notorious executioner, Shahjahan Bhuiyan who executed serial killers and politicians equally and even published a book about it, has died. 

Bhuiyan, 74, was taken to the hospital in the country's capital, Dhaka, on Monday after complaining about chest symptoms. He later died while undergoing treatment, according to local media. Bhuiyan is believed to have carried out at least 26 executions, with some sources putting the figure as high as 60. As a former revolutionary, he became a hangman while serving a 42-year sentence for robbery and murder. 

Bhuiyan's ambition to shorten his prison sentence by volunteering as an executioner was rewarded last year when he was released ten years early. Among those who died at his hands were military personnel convicted of killing the country's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - father of Bangladesh's current prime minister.

He also executed politicians Ali Ahsan Mujahid and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, both accused of war crimes, as well as serial killer Ershad Shikder. Bhuiyan has always defended his duty as a hangman, claiming, "If I didn't hang them, someone else would."

A book detailing his experiences, including an explanation of the hanging method, was published earlier this year and received widespread attention. After being released from prison, Bhuiyan briefly married a girl who was 50 years younger than him and, according to the Dhaka Tribune, suffered legal issues as a result.