700 Prisoners Including 70 Escaped Militants Yet to be Arrested

During the country's political transition on August 5, 700 escaped prisoners, including 70 militants, are still at large. Additionally, 17 out of the country's 69 prisons are still unsafe.

Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain, revealed these details during a press conference at the prison headquarters on Wednesday (December 4) morning.

He stated that the authorities are reviewing each incident individually to prevent such jailbreaks in the future.

Highlighting the need to renovate old and risky prisons, the Inspector General mentioned that there are currently 69 prisons in the country, 17 of which are very old and pose significant risks. He assured that the government is aware of these issues, and these require urgent renovation, repair, and reconstruction.

Motaher Hossain further clarified that once a prisoner is handed over to the police, the prison authorities no longer bear any responsibility. He emphasized that no prisoner is being given undue privileges.

Referring to the mass escape on August 5, the Inspector General shared alarming figures. More than 2,200 prisoners escaped during the chaos. Authorities have since recaptured 1,500 inmates, leaving 700 still at large.

The press conference also highlighted that strict action would be taken against any prison staff found guilty of specific allegations.