A major manhunt in Bangladesh has ended with the arrest of a convicted murderer’s death row prisoner who escaped from a high-security prison during violent unrest in August 2024. The 44-year-old fugitive, identified as Abu Mokarom, was arrested in Narayanganj after spending more than two years evading law enforcement agencies.

Members of Bangladesh’s Special Response Battalion (SRB-11) captured him during a special operation near the Meghna Toll Plaza in the Sonargaon area on Tuesday night, November 3. The arrest was officially announced by authorities on Wednesday, November 4.

The operation brings an end to a lengthy search for a prisoner who had managed to remain outside the reach of authorities since his dramatic escape from Kashimpur High Security Central Jail.

Fugitive Captured During Special Police Operation

According to SRB-11 officials, intelligence information helped investigators identify the fugitive’s whereabouts in the Narayanganj region.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Masud Parvez, commander of SRB-11, confirmed the arrest during a press briefing.

Investigators said Mokarom had repeatedly changed his appearance and concealed his identity while moving between different locations across Bangladesh.

His ability to remain undetected for such an extended period had made the search particularly challenging for law enforcement agencies.

Convicted in a Murder Case in 2013

Mokarom was the principal accused in a murder case registered in November 2009 at Chandanaish Police Station in Chattogram.

According to information released by SRB, the case involved a killing allegedly connected to a family dispute. The victim’s body was reportedly discovered in a paddy field near a residential property.

Following the judicial proceedings, the Third Additional District and Sessions Judge’s Court in Chattogram sentenced Mokarom to death on May 19, 2013.

He was transferred to Kashimpur High Security Central Jail on July 9 of the same year, where he remained imprisoned until the mass escape incident in August 2024.

How the Prison Escape Happened

The escape took place on August 6, 2024, when violent unrest erupted inside Kashimpur High Security Central Jail in Gazipur.

During the disturbance, groups of inmates reportedly started a riot and set parts of the prison on fire. Prison guards were held hostage as the situation deteriorated.

According to the authorities, some prisoners broke electrical poles and used the materials to construct makeshift ladders. They then climbed over the prison’s perimeter wall to escape.

Mokarom was among the inmates who managed to flee during the chaos.

Following the incident, prison authorities filed a separate case at Konabari Police Station in Gazipur concerning the escape.

Two Years of Hiding and Changing Disguises

After escaping, Mokarom allegedly travelled between different parts of Bangladesh while attempting to avoid arrest.

SRB officials stated that he used different disguises and concealed his real identity to reduce the chances of being recognised.

The investigation continued through intelligence gathering, surveillance and the use of modern technology.

Eventually, information about his location allowed SRB-11 personnel to organise the operation near the Meghna Toll Plaza.

Legal Proceedings to Follow

Following his arrest, authorities began arrangements to transfer Mokarom to the relevant police station for further legal action.

Investigators are expected to complete the necessary procedures connected with his prison escape and outstanding criminal case.

The arrest represents a significant development in Bangladesh’s efforts to locate prisoners who escaped during the major prison disturbances of August 2024.

For authorities, recapturing a death row prisoner who had remained missing for more than two years marks an important breakthrough in a case that had raised serious questions about prison security and fugitive tracking.