The New Nation - Internet Edition

Bdnews24.com, Dhaka

The division status of five VIP detainees held in Dhaka Central Jail is under review after they were caught using mobile phones inside the jail, prison authorities said yesterday.

The five detainees are Barrister Nazmul Huda, former air vice-marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and Sigma Huda.

"They may have their division revoked for using mobile phones inside their cells in violation of the jail code," Inspector General of prisons Zakir Hassan told bdnews24.com.

A court could hand down a sentence of imprisonment for the offence, he added.

Zakir said prison authorities have sent a letter to the chief judicial magistrate asking for stern action to be taken against the five.

"There is also the possibility that one or two other detainees have mobile phones. We are conducting surprise raids to find out," the prisons chief said.

The IG said the five VIP detainees possibly acquired the mobile phones while being transferred to and from the court.

"While they are in court it is often fairly relaxed and they can talk freely with many people," said the IG.

"On some occasions they are returned directly to jail after their court appearances. They could receive mobile phones at any stage of this process," he said.

The caretaker government had arrested and detained all five on charges of corruption.

Their cases are currently under trial.