‘Govt to investigate if anyone is in jail without trial’

The government has been investigating to find out whether anyone else is languishing in jail without trial like Jahalam, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan said on Thursday, reports UNB.

"The government will take immediate action in such cases," he told reporters at the ministry. "Investigation into the imprisonment of Jahalam is underway. Actions will be taken after getting the report."

Jute mill worker Jahalam was arrested instead of the real culprit in cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission for misappropriating a huge sum of Sonali Bank money. But the real accused, Abu Salek, is roaming free.

Jahalam had been in jail since February 2016. He was finally released from Kashimpur Central Jail-2 in last Monday following a High Court order.

Minister Asaduzzaman said the government had been considering to identify prisoners who became disabled or physically challenged after serving long sentences and release them. "It will be done at the order of prime minister Sheikh Hasina," he said.