DHAKA: The number of people on death row in Bangladesh has risen to a record 860, an official said yesterday, with fast-track courts expediting cases as part of a government crackdown on violent crime.
Fast-track courts, introduced by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Islamist-allied coalition government, have sentenced about 400 people to hang since they were created in November 2002.
“The number of people on death row has crossed 860. It is the highest figure ever recorded,” Inspector General of Prisons, Brigadier General Zakir Hassan, said.
Zia’s government came to power in October 2001 with a mandate to improve law and order, and quickly introduced nine courts known as Speedy Trial Tribunals.
Crime is a major political issue in the impoverished South Asian nation, which is also beset with corruption.
Human rights groups and legal experts have expressed concern at the number of death penalties imposed by the special courts.
