However, the jail earned infamy after the killings of four political leaders — A. H. M. Qamaruzzaman, Tajuddin Ahmad, Syed Nazrul Islam and Captain Muhammad Mansur Ali — on the eve of a military counter-coup on November 3, 1975, against the government of president Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad and army chief Ziaur Rahman, which was in power after August 15 after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The slain leaders are mourned by many in Bangladesh today, with the date informally known as "Jail killing day."

[3] In 2015, a ruin from the period of Muslim rulers was found in the prison area, and the following year, an archaeological excavation was undertaken.

According to the design, a cultural center and multipurpose complex will be constructed and in the prison area.

[7] In 2024, it was reported that pre-Mughal remains of the old fort of Dhaka mentioned by historian Alauddin Isfahani was discovered from the excavation along with rolled and glazed potteries.