900 prisoners still at large: IG Prisons
Out of 95 stolen firearms, 29 are missing so far
Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Md Motaher Hossain said today (17 September). that around 900 out of the 2,000 prisoners who escaped from prisons are still at large.
"After the fall of the Awami League government due to the mass uprising on 5 August, there was chaos and mutiny in several prisons across the country," he said during a press briefing on security issues at the Department of Prisons in Dhaka.
He added, "The uprising involved attacks on eight prisons nationwide, leading to the escape of about 2,000 prisoners and the theft of 94 firearms. 900 prisoners remain at large so far, and 29 firearms are still missing."
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"Among the escaped prisoners were militants, death row inmates, and those serving life sentences. Of these, nine were militants. Many have been caught, but 282 people were injured during the attacks on the prisons, and eight cases have been filed related to the incidents," he noted.
He said prior to the uprising, the country's prison system was operating at double its capacity. The total capacity of the prisons is 42,000, but as of 5 August, the number of inmates had risen to 70,000. Currently, the number of prisoners is around 50,000.
Regarding the Division Status in jail, he said, "Following the uprising, nine of the arrested former MPs and ministers have been granted division status. Division Status is available for government officials.
"For former MPs and ministers, division is either ordered by the court or requested personally and is then granted subject to the approval of the prison administration. Nine individuals have received division status so far, with several more applications still in process"
"There is no denying the existence of irregularities and corruption in the prisons. Since taking office, I have taken the matter seriously. Some officials have already been identified, and investigations are ongoing with the cooperation of various government agencies," the DG prisons continued.
Earlier in a written statement, he outlined efforts to modernise the prison system, including staff training, addressing seniority issues, and improving efficiency in promotions.
