Corruption, Abuse and Anarchy in Jail: No Investigation After Prisoner’s Death

Staff Correspondent

Allegations of extreme chaos, corruption and cruelty have surfaced against Keraniganj Central Jail Superintendent AKM Masum. Prisoners tormented by his physical and mental torture fear that unless this inhumane situation ends immediately, a bigger tragedy could occur at any moment. Already, detained Awami League leader and Birulia Union Chairman Md. Saidur Rahman Sujan (45) has died, while another inmate witnessed the incident and died of a heart attack.

On Saturday, June 16, around 10 AM, Sujan hanged himself from a ceiling fan on the second floor of the jail’s Suryamukhi cell. Another prisoner who witnessed the scene suffered a stroke and died on the spot. After the incident, both bodies were disrespectfully handcuffed and sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

It has been learned that on Friday night, June 14, around 11 PM, Jail Superintendent Masum led a raid on the Suryamukhi cell, where two mobile phones were recovered from a sewer pipe. Without confirming ownership, Masum—driven by political vengeance—targeted Awami League leader Saidur Rahman Sujan, dragging him out of the cell, verbally abusing him in front of other inmates, and brutally beating and humiliating him.

A duty-bound prison guard, speaking anonymously, said that since Masum was transferred to Keraniganj on September 9 last year, he has established a reign of terror and corruption in the jail. Pro-Awami League prisoners face systematic torture and extortion. Those who refuse to pay bribes or protest are subjected to searches that serve as cover for abuse. Sujan had become a target after refusing to pay bribes.

Suspicion and questions have arisen regarding Sujan’s death. Neither jail authorities nor guards are willing to provide clear answers. The administration’s silence has fueled public anger and skepticism.

Even during his tenure at Dinajpur District Jail, Masum faced multiple allegations of corruption and misconduct. Several prison officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that he was transferred to Keraniganj through special recommendations.

Notably, on April 10, prisoners protested against the corruption of Jail Superintendent AKM Masum and Women’s Jail Superintendent Suraiya. Nearly 1,000 inmates were brutally tortured for protesting and later transferred as punishment to Kashimpur High-Security Jail.

Despite the death, there has been no transparent investigation or accountability. Observers warn that unless the inhumane abuse under Masum’s leadership ends, the jail’s situation may escalate into something far worse.