Dhaka: The interim government has announced a decision to rename ‘prisons’ as ‘correction centres’ and the ‘Department of Prisons’ as ‘Correction Services Bangladesh’, according to a top jail official.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed M Motaher Hossain shared the news during a press briefing at the prison headquarters in Bakshibazar. The renaming initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the existing prison system. A draft of the proposed Correction Service Act-2025 has been finalized and is awaiting government approval.
The proposed law includes various provisions designed to update the rules and regulations governing the prison department. Recently, two new central and four district prisons have been opened to address overcrowding issues. The prison authorities have also developed a comprehensive database of prisoners, leading to the division of Dhaka into two separate divisions for better management.
Security measures in the prison system have been strengthened with the introduction of AI-based CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras. Other technological advancements include mobile jamming systems, body scanners, and luggage scanners to improve security in and around jails.
The jail authorities are enforcing a ‘zero tolerance policy’ against drug abuse within the correction centres. Over the past year, 29 prison employees have been imprisoned for involvement in drug-related activities. Drug detection machines have been procured to enhance surveillance efforts.
Efforts are also being made to ensure corruption-free recruitment within the prison system, with the methods potentially serving as a model for other public entities. Initiatives to ensure uninterrupted power supply through solar panels and the creation of ‘correctional industrial parks’ are underway to keep inmates engaged productively.
The jail authorities have digitized prisoners’ telephone calls and visits, allowing inmates to participate in trial processes through online virtual courts. A hotline service, 16191, has been launched for service recipients to access specific information about prisoners.
Additionally, plans are in place to build a central prison hospital in Keraniganj, providing medical services to jail officials, employees, and inmates.