The escape of accused persons from Dhaka court premises is not a new phenomenon, but a recent incident involving a murder accused has laid bare the severe vulnerabilities in the security apparatus. On October 6, accused Shariful Islam walked out of the court premises in a casual manner, just like any other visitor. CCTV footage shows him leaving without handcuffs or any restraints, despite a police constable being assigned to guard him.

Repeat Offender Highlights Systemic Failure

Adding to the concern is the fact that Shariful Islam had previously escaped from the same Dhaka court premises on June 19, 2025. The same individual managing to flee twice underscores a profound systemic failure in court security. According to records of related incidents, a total of eight escapes or snatching incidents have occurred from Dhaka courts over the six-year period from 2021 to 2026.

Structural Deficiencies in Security

The security arrangements at the court complex have come under question from within the system itself. Data indicates that only 438 police personnel are deployed for approximately 500 accused persons daily, a ratio that is clearly insufficient. Furthermore, there is no special security cordon maintained during the production of accused individuals. The lack of adequate CCTV cameras across the court premises further hampers efforts to prevent and investigate such escapes.

Investigation Underway

Cases have been filed against the escaped accused, and investigation committees have been formed to probe the incidents. However, the recurrence of such events has amplified calls for permanent reforms in the security system. Stricter surveillance of the court complex and robust security protocols for the transportation and production of accused persons are now seen as essential measures to prevent future occurrences.