Jail authorities across the country will have to face the music if they fail to stop prisoners from using mobile phones.
“We will call and ask jail authorities to enforce the ban on the use of mobile phones by prisoners inside prisons,” State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan told the Dhaka Tribune over the phone yesterday.
He also added that if the ministry directive was not implemented, exemplary punishment would be given to those failing to do so.
The use of mobile phones inside jails is now being discussed widely following the recent assisted escape of three convicted leaders of Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), as well as other criminal activities that are being directed by prisoners from inside the prisons.
A senior home ministry official, requesting anonymity, said the cabinet committee on law and order, in its maiden meeting, has expressed concerns over the use of mobile phones in jails.
The meeting, presided by Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, stressed the need to effectively stop the use of mobile phones in jail. It also observed that criminals get the opportunity to direct illegal and destructive activities using their phones.
The meeting was, however, not attended by the Inspector General of Prisons.
A home ministry official has said every jail has a mobile-network jamming device, which is only effective when electricity is available.
“During power cuts, the jammer goes inactive and the mobile phones inside the jail start function again,” he added.
Several jail staff have also alleged that a section of unscrupulous officials allow prisoners to use mobile phones in exchange for bribes.
Talking to journalists, Amir Hossain Amu explained that the escaping of convicted JMB leaders from police custody was an isolated incident.
“Such an incident does not mean that the government has failed to maintain law and order,” he added.
The minister also said authorities concerned have been instructed to stop fertilizer smuggling. He added the Border Guard Bangladesh has been asked to check infiltration of Rohingyas from Myanmar.
An official at the home ministry said Health Minister Mohammad Nasim sought assistance from all to evict illegal occupants from in front of and around Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The committee also reviewed decisions taken at earlier meeting, said a senior official preferring not to be named. The official also added that many decisions taken earlier have already been implemented.
The 12-member cabinet committee includes the commerce minister, the expatriates’ welfare minister, health minister, shipping minister and state minister for home. Information minister and post and telecommunication minister, also part of the committee, were not present at the meeting.
High officials of different government agencies, including Police and BGB, were present.
