Tension mounted in Rangpur Central Jail after the death of a prisoner in an attack by another inmate on Friday.
The deceased was identified as Baharul Badsha, son of Bahadur Mia of Pirganj Upazila in Rangpur.
Sources said Rafiqul, a prisoner of the jail, hit Baharul on his head with a stick over eating hog plums, locally known as amra, from a tree inside the jail around 8:30am. Later, Baharul was rushed to Rangpur Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.
The death of Baharul spread tension among the inmates in the jail. Chase and counter-chase took place between the prison guards and prisoners, leaving at least 10 persons injured. The prison guards fired blanks to bring the situation under control. Additional security has been beefed up in the prison area after the incident.
To keep the situation normal, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mobashsher Hasan, GOC of 66 Infantry Division Major General Shakil Ahmed and senior officials of the administration went to the jail, spoke to the inmates and urged them to remain calm.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mobashsher Hasan confirmed the matter and said two inmates Rafiqul and Baharul quarrelled over eating hog plums, locally known as amra, from a tree inside the jail around 8:15am. At one stage, Rafiqul hit on Baharul’s head with a stick. He was rushed to Rangpur Medical College Hospital where on duty doctor declared him dead.
Locals, including the businessmen, around the jail said that they heard the loud sound of gunshots. “I heard gunshots from inside the prison since morning,” said a person on condition of anonymity.
At that time, people were running around. Due to this incident, vehicles plying on Rangpur-Dinajpur highway were stopped. There was a feeling of anxiety in everyone.
Meanwhile, security forces have been deployed inside and outside the prison to control the situation since morning. They are on high alert with several layers of security to avoid any untoward incident.
Rangpur District Commissioner Mohammad Mobashsher Hasan said security has been strengthened inside and outside the prison. “Now the situation is under control. Two prison guards named Shahjahan and Motaleb have been temporarily suspended in this incident. Apart from this, instructions have been given to form an inquiry committee,” the DC said.
