Detained high-profile criminals have been extending their stay in jails by delaying cases pending in courts and carrying out misdeeds, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said.
Commenting on the two escaped JMB militants now on the run, he said there was no need for panic. “We have taken all necessary measures so that they cannot leave the country. Red alerts have been issued along the border. They will be arrested...”
He made the remarks at his office yesterday while talking about the home ministry probe report on the assisted escaping of three convicted JMB militants from a prison van. The report, submitted on Sunday, held the police and the jail authorities responsible for the incident.
The state minister said: “A number of dangerous criminals and militants are in jails as cases filed against them are pending in the courts. The number of such cases is also increasing. Law yers of the criminals are delaying trial intentionally by seeking time for hearings.”
He said it was a major problem for the government, which is trying to conclude the cases swiftly as high-profile criminals are living comfortably in jail.
“If they are found guilty, they will be punished. Otherwise, they will be released.”
Regarding the probe report, Kamal said: “We are examining the report and the recommendations made by the committee. We will inform the prime minister about the findings and recommendations.”
He said steps would be taken against those responsible, conforming to suggestions by higher authorities in government.
The logical recommendations would be implemented shortly. “We must consider the logical suggestions of the committee. If [government] officials are found involved with the incident, action will be taken against them. We will also find out the reasons behind their getting involved in such activities.”
The probe body headed by its additional secretary Nazim Uddin Chowdhury was formed on February 23, immediately after the incident happened at Trishal, Mymensingh. The report also named the suspects behind the incident.
Informing the reporters about a plan to release innocents who have been in jail for a long time, the state minister said: “Many people are in prison without any reason. There is no case against them. The jail authorities do not have any documents against them.
“The government is preparing to set them free.”
They would be freed shortly after examining the related documents and reports, he added.