RAB says ‘corrupt’ prison staff helped free three murder suspects from Myemensingh jail

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) says corrupt prison officials helped three murder suspects walk free from Mymensingh Central Jail without bail documents.

RAB-14 Commander Naimul Hasan said the men were released with the assistance of “dishonest” jail staff. He made the remarks at a press conference in Mymensingh on Friday.

The three suspects were re-arrested late on Thursday night in Tangail's Ghatail, the RAB said.

They were identified as Md Anis Mia, Rashidul Islam and Zakirul Islam, all accused in a murder case filed with Tarakanda Police.

The RAB said the men had been arrested on Jan 23 and were being held in jail when they were released on Jan 27.

According to the RAB, the suspects were freed after prison officials mistakenly treated a production warrant as a bail order, triggering public concern and prompting an internal investigation.

Prison authorities later formed a three-strong panel to determine how the release occurred. Deputy Jailer Zakaria Imtiaz has been suspended over alleged neglect of duty.

Mymensingh Divisional Deputy Inspector General of Prisons Mohammad Touhidul Islam said the probe panel was being led by Dhaka Division-2 DIG of Prisons Tipu Sultan and was expected to submit its findings within three working days.

He said disciplinary action would be taken if the investigation found evidence of negligence or misconduct by prison officials.