Prison authorities await government's clearance to execute war criminal Mir Quasem Ali

Authorities at the Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur are now waiting for the government's nod to execute the death sentence of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem.

The government , however, is yet to say officially when the wartime terror of Chittagong will be hanged.

The authorities of Kashimpur Central Jail in Gazipur, where the Jamaat leader is currently lodged, say they are all prepared.

Security in the prison area has been heightened. The gallows are also reportedly ready. The press pack and onlookers crowded the area in the evening.

Kashimpur Central Jail (Unit-2) Superintendent Prashanta Kumar Banik told bdnews24.com on Friday night, "The jail authorities are always ready to carry out the government's order. The hanging will be executed following instruction from the high-up."

He said there was a very little possibility of the hanging taking place on Friday night.

Gazipur's Additional District Magistrate Md Rahenul Islam said he did not receive any executive order on the execution of Mir Quasem until 8pm. The order is necessary for execution of death sentence.

In line with jail code and a High Court instruction, family members get a chance to see the convict one last time before the hanging.

Jailer Nashir Ahmad said the higher authorities were informed about Mir Quasem's decision on the mercy plea.

He said the steps on his execution would be taken following instructions from the higher authorities.

All clear

The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Jamaat executive council member Mir Quasem to death in 2014 for war crimes.

He filed a petition for a review of the appeals verdict that upheld the sentence in March this year.

The Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha dismissed the review petition last Tuesday, clearing all legal obstacles to hanging Mir Quasem.

The prison authorities asked for his decision on the mercy petition after reading out the full review verdict to him. He sought time again on Thursday.

Speaking to bdnews24.com around 4:15pm on Friday, Jail Superintendent Prashanta said: "We asked him in the afternoon about his decision. He said he will not seek presidential clemency."

Attorney General Mahbubey Alam says now the Jamaat leader has no option but to hang.

"The government can execute the verdict anytime it wants in line with the rules," he said.

Security surrounding the jail

Thousands, including journalists, flocked outside the gate after Mir Quasem's decision on the mercy petition was reported.

Surveillance and patrol by RAB, police and Detective Branch strengthened on the road from the jail to Dhaka-Tangail Highway. The shops in the area were also closed in the evening.

Gazipur Superintendent of Police Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid said the security measures were taken to avoid anything unpleasant.

"The prison authorities are to make the decision about where the hanging will take place. As the convict is in this jail, it is our duty to provide security here. We've heightened the security so that no untoward incident or violence can take place."

A police team with a water cannon entered the jail premises around 8pm.

The SP said the four units of Kashimpur jail house inmates accused in cases like those over the Aug 21, 2004 grenade attack, sensational murder cases and war crimes cases.

"That's why we ratchet up the security here.

"We have ramped up the security all the more due to the crowds of thousands now. We have thrown a security blanket with more patrols and check-posts," he added.