17 prisons unsafe, 70 militants among 700 escapees on the loose

The country currently operates 69 prisons with a capacity to house 42,000 inmates, but as of now, they hold over 65,000 prisoners—far exceeding their limit. 

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).

Brigadier General Hossain highlighted the precarious condition of the prison infrastructure.

"Of the 69 prisons, 17 are in a critical state, requiring urgent renovation, repair, and reconstruction. The government is fully aware of the issue," he said.

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.

Among those who remain on the run, 70 individuals are identified militants or high-profile convicts associated with extremist groups like JMB. Efforts to apprehend these individuals are ongoing.

In response to a query, Brigadier General Hossain noted 11 so-called "top terrorists" accused in various cases have been released on bail.

He also informed 174 individuals affiliated with militant organisations have also been granted bail.

Authorities are under pressure to locate and detain the escaped inmates, particularly the high-risk militants, he added.

The prison population surged significantly post-August, worsening overcrowding in already strained facilities. Despite their capacity for 42,000 inmates, the prisons currently house around 65,000 prisoners, he said.