More than 700 inmates who escaped during and after the July–August mass uprising remain untraced, including convicts on death row and militants.

The disclosure was made by Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain on Tuesday at a press conference held at the prison headquarters, marking one year since he assumed office.

In response to a question on the prison breaks, the IG Prisons said over 2,200 inmates had fled from six jails during the violence, arson, and vandalism. Many later returned voluntarily, while others were arrested, but more than 700 remain on the run.

Among those still absconding are nine militants and 60 prisoners sentenced to death or life imprisonment, he added.

Replying to another query on looted weapons, Brig Gen Motaher Hossain said 29 firearms and some ammunition were yet to be recovered. He noted that the Home Affairs Adviser had already announced a reward for those who return the missing weapons.

MSK/