Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and prosecution witness sentenced to five years for crimes against humanity during the July mass uprising, is now in the special prison in Gazipur. According to prison regulations, his Division-1 privileges will be revoked due to the sentence, and he will now fall under Division-2. He will also be required to wear standard prisoner attire.
Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain of the Department of Prisons stated that when a Division-1 prisoner is convicted, they are automatically transferred to Division-2. A convicted prisoner cannot regain Division-1 privileges. However, the former IGP may apply to retain his division privileges; if approved by the government, he may continue enjoying Division-2 benefits; otherwise, he will remain as a regular inmate.
Sources at the Department of Prisons explained that division privileges are assigned based on social standing and respect during the trial. According to prison regulations, there are three divisions: Division-1, Division-2, and Division-3. Individuals listed in positions 1 to 18 of the Government’s Warrant of Precedence, as well as recipients of honours such as Bir Uttam, Bir Bikram, Bir Pratik, CIPs, Independence Award, Ekushey Padak, and those appointed as Professor Emeritus, receive Division-1. Inmates with high social status, education, and accustomed lifestyles are placed in Division-2.
A related source also noted that the former IGP currently faces more than 150 cases across various police stations and courts in the country.