'Dervish' expresses anger, says "You Are Disturbing Us" during search

Prison authorities were left shaken following reports that mobile phones were being used by Salman F. Rahman, the head of Beximco Group and former advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on private industry and investment. In response, officials conducted searches of Salman and other VIP prisoners' cells at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj. Sources within the prison revealed that Salman, along with several prison staff members, expressed anger during the search. He reportedly told the authorities, "You are disturbing us."

On Tuesday, ‘Kaler Kantho’ published a report titled "'Dervish' is Also Active in Prisons," which revealed details about Salman F. Rahman’s phone conversation with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Following the publication of the story, the prison guards responsible for overseeing VIP prisoners were removed from their duties. New guards have since been assigned to take their place.

Additionally, VIP prisoners have been prohibited from conversing with one another. While they are still allowed to walk together, they are not permitted to engage in any "anti-state" discussions during their walks. Authorities have warned that punitive action will be taken if they are caught discussing such matters.

Instructions have also been issued prohibiting the use of mobile phones in exchange for money. Prison authorities have informed the prisoners that the entire situation is being closely monitored.

A prison official stated that many ministers, MPs, and former officers of various security forces currently incarcerated at Dhaka Central Jail are highly influential, requiring careful handling. He added that some of these individuals have expressed dissatisfaction with prison officials and guards following recent searches.

The official also mentioned that some of the prisoners spoke in a threatening tone. He explained that prison officials face a double dilemma when dealing with such individuals. On one hand, these prisoners seek illegal privileges, and if denied, they become angry. On the other hand, prison guards are required to treat them with respect, while the government closely monitors their activities to ensure they are not receiving any unauthorized benefits or facilities.

Sources indicate that prison authorities are set to adopt a stricter approach by identifying influential prisoners who are not adhering to rules and regulations. Three high-profile prisoners have already been singled out and are being transferred to another prison as a form of punishment.

When questioned, IG Prisons Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain stated yesterday afternoon, "We have increased surveillance in the prison. Care is being taken to ensure that no prisoner takes advantage of the law."

It was revealed that several influential individuals, including Salman F. Rahman, were arrested following the 1-11 political crisis in 2007. Salman F. Rahman and former Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir were held in the Karnaphuli cell of the then Dhaka Central Jail in Old Dhaka, where they were assigned special divisions. However, mobile phones were later discovered in their cells, leading to the cancellation of their divisions as punishment. Many of these prisoners were subsequently transferred to facilities far from Dhaka Central Jail.

When asked, prison expert and former DIG Prisons Major (retd) Shamsul Haider Siddiqui explained that controlling influential prisoners is challenging. While ordinary prisoners can face punishment for violating prison rules, influential individuals, including ministers and MPs, are often not subjected to the same penalties. However, they can be punished by being transferred to another prison, having their divisions revoked, or having family visitations suspended. Prison authorities consider the risks when determining appropriate disciplinary measures.

In response to a question, he said, "Influential prisoners know about the laws and regulations of the country. Despite this, they still want extra-prison benefits. Many give them benefits out of fear or financial gain. However, if they start conspiring against the state with the benefits, it is an opportunity for a dangerous situation."

In 2007, Shamsul Haider Siddiqui was serving as the DIG Prisons for Dhaka Division. During that time, former Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, along with many senior leaders from the Awami League and BNP, were incarcerated together. When asked how the situation was managed, he explained, "We did not allow the most influential people to meet each other. Their cells had separate gates. Even after this, those who violated the prison rules were punished by having their divisions cancelled and their relatives stopped from meeting them. There are also examples of being sent to the district jail."

He suggested that prison authorities should ensure a guard is present whenever VIP prisoners walk together. The guard would be responsible for noting what they discuss, and if any conspiratorial conversations against the state are detected, the matter should be reported to the IG Prisons.

Prison sources reveal that there are currently 68 VIP prisoners held at Dhaka Central Jail. Among them are former ministers and state ministers, including Anisul Haque, Abdur Razzak, Rashed Khan Menon, Sadhan Chandra Majumder, Farhad Hossain, Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Faruk Khan, R.A.M. Ubaidul Moktadir Chowdhury, Imran Ahmed, Tipu Munshi, Hasanul Haque Inu, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Shamsul Haque Tuku, AB Tajul Islam, and Junaid Ahmed Palak.

Additionally, the list of VIP prisoners includes former MP Haji Selim, Awami League presidium member and former MP Kazi Zafar Ullah, former mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, Shahidul Haque, former director of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), Commodore Monirul Islam, former army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan, recently retired Chairman of Chittagong Port Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohael, former MP Abdus Sobhan Golap, and former additional superintendent of police of Dhaka district Abdullah Hill Kafi.

Also among the VIP prisoners are former MP Barrister Syed Sayedul Haque Sumon, NASA Group Chairman Nazrul Islam Majumder, former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, former Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, President of the 1970s Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee Shahriar Kabir, former DC of Police Mashiur Rahman, and Awami League Organizing Secretary Ahmed Hossain, among others.

Translated by Mazdud