Three suspects in a murder case were released from Mymensingh Central Jail without obtaining bail. The prison authorities have characterised the incident as a “mistake,” leading to widespread criticism regarding the facility’s accountability and transparency.
In response to the incident, Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz has been suspended.
The released individuals have been identified as Md Anis Mia, Rashedul Islam, and Zakirul Islam, all residents of the Tarati area under Tarakanda Police Station in Mymensingh. They were being held in custody as accused in a murder case.
According to sources, the unauthorised release occurred on Tuesday afternoon, yet the matter was not immediately disclosed to external agencies.
Mohammad Touhidul Islam, the deputy inspector general of prisons (Mymensingh Division), explained that a production warrant was erroneously mistaken for a bail bond, resulting in the discharge of the three inmates.
Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz reportedly attributed the error to inadvertence.
Senior Jail Superintendent Md Aminul Islam confirmed the matter, admitting that an officer’s mistake led to the wrongful release. To investigate the circumstances, a three-member probe committee was constituted on Thursday.
The DIG Prisons has assured that strict legal action will be taken if the investigation uncovers any ulterior motives or the involvement of other officials.
Meanwhile, the police department has expressed concerns over the lack of timely communication. Abdullah Al Mamun, additional superintendent of police (Admin and Finance), stated that the police were not provided with detailed information regarding the event.
He noted that immediate notification would have assisted the police in swiftly re-arresting the suspects.
The incident has caused a significant stir both within and outside the prison, with the public questioning how murder suspects could be released through such simplified oversight.
