THE incidents of and attempts at jailbreak in a number of districts after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 point to an alarming law and order. At least six inmates of the Kashimpur central jail in Gazipur were killed and about two dozens were injured as prison guards shot them when the inmates attempted to break free on August 7. According to the jail authorities, at least 209 inmates managed to escape the prison. In another incident that day, at least 50 inmates managed to break out of the Kushtia district jail. In both the incidents, inmates brought out processions or created a chaos demanding their release, leading to clashes with the authorities. A similar attempt was made by inmates in Sirajganj that day. The prison guards, aided by the army, foiled the attempt. On August 5, at least 596 inmates escaped from the Satkhira district jail while at least 500 inmates escaped the Sherpur district jail. Another jailbreak attempt was foiled on August 8 at the Gazipur district jail. The incident left at least 13 inmates and three guards wounded. Another incident of jailbreak took place during the student protests on July 19, when 826 inmates broke free.
Jail authorities feared that similar attempts at jailbreak might happen in other places. When it is understandable that inmates are trying to escape the jail, taking the advantage of a loose law and order in the wake of a political turmoil and the absence of the police, it is unacceptable that the army, which promised security, has left the prisons inadequately protected. It is also unacceptable that the jail authorities have not taken proper precaution to protect the prisons. The law and order is also worrying. Incidents of violence and vandalism have left at least 150 people dead since the fall of the Awami League government. While mobs attacked the police, Awami League leaders and activists and vandalised their property, attacks on religious minorities have also been reported in different parts. What is assuring is that such violence, vandalism and robbery have dropped significantly in the face of mass resistance. Students and people have continued to patrol city areas and the property of minorities, including their houses and places of worship. Such efforts are, however, inadequate and the law enforcement agencies need to attend to the situation.
The jail authorities must attend to security lapses to stop any recurrence of jailbreak. The interim government must be proactive and stern, if needed, to end violence, vandalism and robbery. The government must bring in the police and ensure their safety so that police personnel can resume their duty. Students and people must also remain alert to violence and vandalism.
