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At least 700 prisoners who escaped from different prisons after the fall of the Awami League government are still on the loose, Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said.
He said, “Currently, 700 prisoners are still on the run. The rest have been captured and placed back in jail.”
Speaking to the media during an event at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj on Sunday, the advisor confirmed that an investigation into the matter was ongoing.
“Measures have been taken to ensure no lapses occur,” he added.
After the Sheikh Hasina government fell, intense public protests, nationwide unrest, and violence occurred that led to numerous attacks and uprisings in prisons across Bangladesh.
During the chaos, over 200 prisoners escaped from the Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur after a revolt.
Six individuals were reported dead after being shot by security personnel.
Around 2,200 prisoners, including death row convicts and militants, were reported escaping not only from Kashimpur, but also from Narsingdi, Kushtia, and Bogura.
Responding to a query regarding the rise of crimes such as robbery, theft, extortion, and murder post-government change, the adviser said, “I can’t deny what you’re saying. Robbery and extortion are happening, but those involved are also getting caught. After being released, they are committing these crimes again. This is the truth.”
The home adviser also said the government is making efforts to reduce such crimes as much as possible.