Out of the 22 hundred convicts who escaped from the prisons during the uprising, more than 700 convicts are still missing. 11 people who are said to be tainted accused or top terrorists in various cases have been released. 174 people who were said to be members of various militant organizations including JMB have been released on bail. 70 people are still absconding among various hot cases and militant members who have escaped.

Chief Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain gave this information in response to questions from journalists at a press conference organized on the current situation of the prisons of the Old Dhaka Directorate of Prisons in the capital around 11:30 am on Wednesday.

All efforts are being made to catch the fugitives, he said, the issue of release is entirely for the court. We are obliged to obey the orders of the court.

The prison chief said that there are currently 69 prisons in the country. The capacity of these prisons is 42 thousand. After August 5, there were a little over 50,000. Then the number of prisoners increased. There are currently 65,000 prisoners.

He said 17 of the prisons are very old and dangerous. The government knows the issues, they need urgent renovation, repair and reconstruction.

He also said that in the last three months, several initiatives have been taken for greater transparency and accountability in prisons. They are-

All types of internal searches are intensified.
Renovation of several vulnerable prisons including establishment of Central Prison Hospital to improve prisoner management.
Initiative to purchase modern equipment including jammer, bodycam.
Dog squads are deployed in high-risk prisons to prevent drug infiltration.
Posting of honest and competent officers and prison guards in various prisons including prison headquarters.
Instructions issued to ensure humane treatment of prisoners.
Strict supervision to ensure supply of essential equipment including food as per the availability of prisoners.
Strict monitoring of the issuance and implementation of specific instructions to ensure proper treatment, visits and telephone conversations of prisoners.
Initiatives to use RFID and GPS along with prison management software to ensure greater transparency and accountability in prisoner management.
Initiative to launch 24 hours hotline to help service seekers.
Taking the initiative to change the logo of the prison department in view of the demands of various quarters