Rajshahi: Around 550 kilograms of fish fingerlings consisting of various species, including rui, katla, mrigel, silver carps, and pungus, were released in two ponds at Rajshahi Central Jail. The jail authority released 3,300 pieces of fingerlings weighing 200-700 grams each on average, aiming at making the jail self-reliant in fish through boosting production.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Additional Inspector General of the Department of Jail Col Tanveer Hossain, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prison in Rajshahi division Kamal Hossain and Senior Superintendent at Rajshahi Central Jail Shah Alam Khan, released the fingerlings. Col Tanveer Hossain highlighted the initiative as a new income-generating opportunity for the government through the optimal use of local resources.
Col Tanveer Hossain noted that the fish produced from the ponds will serve as food for the prisoners, reducing government expenditure while making the jail self-reliant in food. Additionally, he emphasized that the jail functions not only as a place for punishment but also for correction, where prisoners receive training in various trades and vocations through productive activities, contributing to their social rehabilitation.
In his remarks, DIG Prison Kamal Hossain stated that they have planned several programs to modernize and make the jail management self-dependent. Various agricultural works, including fish farming, tree plantation, and training, are vital components of the adopted programs.