The home ministry probe committee found a number of officials including the Gazipur Police Superintendent “responsible” for the snatching of three convicted JMB militants from police custody.
“We will disclose the investigation report this week after holding a meeting. Those who are responsible will be punished,” State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told the Dhaka Tribune over phone yesterday.
On February 23, the militants were snatched from Trishal of Mymensingh while they were being taken from Kashimpur Jail to a Mymensingh court. After receiving the report on Sunday, Home Secretary CQK Mustaq Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune that it happened due to negligence of police and jail authorities.
The report is yet to be made public. The four-strong committee was headed by Additional Home Secretary Nazimuddin Chowdhury.
A committee member preferring anonymity said: “We have mentioned a number of names including the Gazipur police super in our report. I cannot remember the number.” The official, however, claimed that the number of persons responsible could be six.
The official said adequate security measures had not been taken to escort the prison van. Usually, seven to eight armed police guard a prison van. But this time it was not maintained. Moreover, nobody informed the Mymensingh police about the shifting of the militants.
The probe body in its observation said the incident had been the result of a coordinated long-term plan.
The committee also made 10-point recommendations that include providing special prison van and changing the rules and regulations regarding transporting prisoners. It also asked the authorities concerned to stop use of mobile phone by inmates inside jail. It also recommend to.
