900 prisoners still on the run after jailbreak during recent protests

Around 900 out of 2,000 prisoners, who escaped from jails across the country during the recent student-led protests, are still on the run, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain said today (17 September).

“A total of eight jails across the country were attacked during the protests, resulting in the escape of approximately 2,000 prisoners and the looting of 94 firearms,” the IG told journalists during a press briefing at the prison headquarters.

“Of these, 900 prisoners have not yet been arrested and 29 firearms are still missing,” he added.

The prison chief also disclosed that of the escaped prisoners, at least 98 were terrorists, death row inmates, or serving life sentences.

“A significant number of these fugitives have already been apprehended.”

Rejecting claims that those detained during the student protests were not held in custody, he said, “While the country’s prison capacity is 42,000, there were 70,000 inmates before 5 August. Currently, the number of prisoners stands at approximately 50,000.”

The IG acknowledged that it is impossible to deny irregularities and corruption in prisons.

He stated, “I have taken the matter seriously since assuming office. Some officers have been identified, and investigations are underway in collaboration with various government agencies against them.”

In a written statement, the prison chief outlined his steps to modernise prisons and ensure better services.