Bangladesh unrest: 12 killed in twin jailbreaks
Bangladesh unrest: Twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh killed at least 12 inmates and freed hundreds more in the tumultuous days following the resignation of autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
An interim government is trying to restore peace and order, with police on strike following Hasina's abrupt resignation and flight abroad after 15 years in office.
This week's prison escapes both north of the capital Dhaka, are the latest in a string of breakouts during weeks of widespread upheaval before her toppling.
Six convicts were killed at Jamapur Prison on Thursday after escapees attacked prison officers, warden Abu Fatah said.
"They attacked us with iron rods and sharp weapons. They burnt down my office. Then they attempted to get out, taking all 600 inmates with them," he claimed. "We were forced to open fire. At least six inmates were killed, with one being stabbed to death.
According to Fatah, guards were able to stop the attack before anyone could escape.
Another six convicts were shot dead on Tuesday during a mass breakout at a high-security jail in Kashimpur, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of Dhaka, according to warden Lutfor Rahman.
According to Rahman, the convicts attacked guards with iron tools and rebar rods before breaking through the jail's main gate, leading army personnel and guards to open fire.
"At least 203 prisoners also managed to escape," he said.
Kashimpur High-Security Prison houses some of Bangladesh's most prominent prisoners, including Islamist radicals and murders.
Rahman stated that none of the high-profile convicts had managed to escape their prisons.
- PTC NEWS
