7 prison officials suspended after female inmate escapes Kashimpur jail

Seven officials of Kashimpur Women's Central Jail have been suspended after a 21-year-old female inmate escaped by climbing over the prison's boundary wall, prison authorities said.

The suspended personnel include two matrons and five female prison guards. They are Matron Laila Anjuman Sumi, Matron Marina, Matron Rehena and female prison guards Shayla, Sharmin, Jemi and Asma.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Prisons Md Jannatul Farhad confirmed the disciplinary action on Saturday.

''An investigation found evidence of negligence in the performance of duty. Based on the investigation report, all seven officials were suspended on Friday," he said.

According to the jail authorities, the escape occurred on Thursday evening while approximately 40 female inmates were assigned to carry bricks inside the prison compound.

Officials said inmate Rimpa, 21, took advantage of inadequate supervision by the on-duty matron, climbed onto a ledge beside the prison's administrative building, and scaled the perimeter wall before escaping.

Rimpa is the daughter of Md Hasan of Raipur village in Gangni upazila of Meherpur district. She had been serving a three-month sentence at Kashimpur Women's Central Jail after being convicted in a mobile court case under Dhaka's Dhanmondi Police Station jurisdiction.

Following the incident, prison authorities conducted an extensive search throughout the facility but were unable to locate her. A subsequent review of CCTV footage confirmed that she had escaped from the prison.

On Friday night, the prison authorities filed a case with Konabari Model Police Station in connection with the escape. Authorities have not yet announced whether the fugitive has been recaptured.