Bangladesh: 700 inmates remain at large after escaping in August jailbreaks

Bangladesh’s interim government said on Sunday that approximately 700 prisoners who escaped from jails during the July-August political unrest are still on the run.

“About 700 prisoners remain at large. We are actively working to recapture them,” said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

While most of the escapees have been re-arrested, efforts continue to track down the remaining fugitives, though no further details were provided. During the turmoil in late July and early August, several jailbreaks occurred, with one of the largest taking place in central Narsingdi district near Dhaka, where 826 prisoners escaped.

Replying to a question on the identity of fugitives, Chowdhury said a comprehensive investigation was underway about those who are still at large.

His comments came nearly two months after Bangladesh prison officials said that some 700 inmates including convicted Islamist militants and death row prisoners are at large.

The home affairs adviser said that no convict was released from jail under the general amnesty after 5 August, but those who came out of jail were released on bail.

”If they (those on bail) are found involved in new criminal activities, they will be apprehended and brought to justice,” Chowdhury said.

Asked for comments on the existing law and order situation, he said increased incidents of robbery and extortion were being reported from across the country, “but tough action is being taken against the culprits”.

Asked about the police performance, Chowdhury said there was no shortage of police personnel, ”but they (police) need to be more sincere in discharging duties”.

With inputs from agencies