At least 12 inmates killed in twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh days after Hasina's ouster

At least 12 inmates were killed and hundreds of others escaped prison in twin jailbreaks in Bangladesh in the chaotic days after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the news agency AFP reported on Saturday (Aug 10) citing officials.

According to the news agency, this week's twin jailbreaks,both north of the capital Dhaka, were the latest in a series of breakouts during weeks of nationwide unrest leading up to Hasina's toppling.

On Monday, when Hasina stepped down as prime minister and fled Bangladesh,more than 500 inmates fled a jail in the northern district of Sherpur.

'They attacked us with iron rods, sharp weapons'

Jamalpur Prison warden Abu Fatah told the news agency that six convicts were killed after prison guards were assaulted by escapees. "They attacked us with iron rods and sharp weapons. They torched my office. Then tried to break out and take all 600 prisoners with them," Fatah said.

He added that jail authorities were forced to open fire. "At least six inmates were killed including one who was stabbed to death," the warden further said and pointed out that guards managed to quell the attack before anyone escaped.

Thesix prisoners who were killed belonged to a high-security prison inKashimpur, the prison's wardenLutfor Rahman told AFP. Rahman said that on Tuesday, theinmates used iron tools and rebar rods to attack guards and broke through the jail's main gate, forcing army soldiers and jail guards to open fire.

"At least 203 prisoners also managed to escape," he said.

The Kashimpur High-Security Prison hosts some ofBangladesh's most notorious convicts, including Islamist extremists and murderers.Rahman said none of the high-profile inmates had managed to break out of their cells.

Numerous attempted and successful jailbreaks have taken place across Bangladesh since protests againstquotas in government jobs began last month.

Police unions declare strike

AFP reported that over 450 people died during weeks of clashes between police and protesters leading up to Hasina's ouster, including dozens of police officers.

Police unions declared a strike on Tuesday and said officers would not resume duty until their safety was assured.More than half of the country's police stations have since reopened

(With inputs from agencies)