The escape of 184 prisoners from Narsingdi District Jail has left the public in a state of fear and insecurity. Despite continuous operations by law enforcement agencies, neither the fugitives nor the looted weapons and ammunition have been fully recovered.

On July 19, during an ongoing movement against the quota in government jobs, a group of attackers stormed the jail, breaking security barriers and igniting a massive fire. In the chaos, 826 prisoners escaped, while the assailants looted 85 firearms and over 7,000 rounds of ammunition from the facility.

In the following days, security forces launched extensive operations, capturing a significant number of escapees and compelling some to surrender. However, 184 fugitives remain at large.

While 56 of the looted weapons have been recovered, 29 firearms and more than 5,000 rounds of ammunition are still missing.

Over the past five months, the district has witnessed a sharp increase in gun-related violence. Many residents, particularly business owners, have voiced concerns over the deteriorating security environment and have urged the government to take immediate action.

The jailbreak has exacerbated the law-and-order situation in Narsingdi, with reports of violent crimes involving the stolen weapons surfacing in recent weeks.

"If law and order are restored, business will recover as well. We are living in fear," said Fazlul Haque Bachu, a businessman from Baburhat Bazar under Narsingdi Sadar.

Several recent homicides in the district are suspected to be linked to the escaped inmates, further intensifying the atmosphere of insecurity.

Contacted, Jail Superintendent Md Shamim Iqbal said, "Those who have not surrendered yet are showing disregard for the law. Their immediate capture is a priority."

He said critical documents were destroyed in the arson attack, complicating the ongoing investigation.

Md Abdul Hannan, superintendent of police in Narsingdi, said, "We have already recaptured several fugitives and recovered some weapons. However, a large cache of firearms and ammunition remains unaccounted for. Our operations are ongoing, and we are confident that the situation will soon be brought under control."

"We are doing everything possible to bring all escapees to justice and recover the remaining weapons," he added.