• Jail, built during the British period, shows significant structural degradation
• Renovations and enhanced security measures are being considered

A Correspondent, Bogura:

Bogura’s 141-year-old district prison, built of lime mortar, has weakened over time due to its iron beams lacking internal rods.

Four death-row inmates took advantage of this vulnerability, using a metal bail handle to make a hole in the roof over a month, eventually escaping by fashioning a rope from old clothes and bed sheets.

However, their freedom was short-lived. Bogura Superintendent of Police Sudip Kumar Chakraborty revealed on Wednesday afternoon that the convicts were recaptured within an hour after their escape.

Sources indicate that Bogura District Jail, established in 1883, houses three condemned cells in its northeast corner, holding 13 death row prisoners.

Three prison guards suspended after death row convicts escape from Bogura jailThree prison guards suspended after death row convicts escape from Bogura jail

Those who escaped are Nazrul Islam Majnu of Diadanga, Kurigram; Amir Hossain of Fazarkandi, Narsingdi; Zakaria, son of Abdul Mannan, mayor of Kahaloo municipality, Bogura; and Farid Sheikh of Kuturbari Paschimpara, Bogura. They were rearrested in the Chashi Bazar area near the Chelopara Bridge.

The escape plan involved removing the metal bail on a bucket, straightening it, and using it to slowly pierce the roof. They then twisted old clothes and bed sheets into a makeshift rope. Around 3:55am on Wednesday, the prisoners climbed through the hole, over the grill fence, and down the wall using the rope. They crossed the nearby Karatoa River and gathered near the Chelopara Bridge.

When they were preparing to escape further at around 4:30am, Bogura Sadar police, acting on a tip-off, recaptured them.

During initial interrogation, the convicts admitted to escaping by breaking through the roof of their condemned cell. They were subsequently taken to the detective branch (DB) office.

In a press briefing, Superintendent of Police Sudeep Kumar Chakraborty confirmed the details of the escape and the subsequent arrests.

Meanwhile, Additional Inspector General of Prisons Sheikh Sujaur Rahman Suja and Rajshahi DIG of Prisons Kamal Hossain visited Bogura following the incident.

Jail officials remained tight-lipped, with Kamal Hossain mentioning that an investigation committee would be formed.

Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam announced the formation of a six-member investigation committee headed by Additional District Magistrate PM Imrul Kayes.

The committee includes members from the police, RAB, office of the DIG Prisons, Fire Service, and Public Works Department. They have been tasked with submitting their report promptly, which will then be reviewed by IG of prisons for further action.

The DC noted that the jail, built during the British period, showed significant structural degradation. There were no rods in the condemned cell’s roof, which is made of limestone. Renovations and enhanced security measures, including a new checkpoint, are being considered.

Inspector (Investigation) Shahinuzzaman Shahin said that Jailer Faridul Islam Rubel filed a case against the four escapees. Court Inspector Mosaddek Hossain confirmed that the prisoners were presented in the Bogura Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court and subsequently sent back to Bogura jail.

SP Sudeep Kumar Chakraborty reiterated that the inmates used the bucket’s metal bail to pierce the ceiling, tied ropes from clothes and bed sheets, and exited through the roof. The chosen area of the ceiling was out of sight from both inside and outside the bathroom, helping them avoid detection.

Additional IG of Prisons Sheikh Sujaur Rahman Suja emphasized the need to investigate how the escape went unnoticed and pledged to strengthen the jail’s security. He noted that the prisoners were arrested quickly due to the swift action of law enforcement.

“We will identify and address the weaknesses in our system to prevent future incidents,” he said.