Out of 2,200 inmates who escaped from the country’s jails during the mass uprisings in July and August, 1,500 have been re-arrested. However, 700 prisoners, including 70 convicted criminals and extremists, remain at large, according to Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain, the Director General of the Prison Department.
He disclosed this information during a press conference held this Wednesday morning at the Prison Directorate in Old Dhaka, where the conditions of the country’s prisons over the past three months were discussed.
Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain stated that 174 prisoners, including 11 top criminals, have been released during this period.
In response to a journalist’s question, he mentioned that four prison officials have been forced into retirement on charges of corruption and irregularities. Further allegations are under investigation, and actions will be taken against them after the investigations are complete.
On July 19, at around 5:15 PM, a group attacked Narsingdi District Jail, looted weapons, and facilitated the escape of 826 inmates.
When asked about the attack on Narsingdi Jail, Brigadier General Motaher said that the jail superintendent has been temporarily suspended. If negligence is found during the investigation, departmental action will be taken against him.