Dhaka: Various initiatives have been undertaken in the country's prisons to improve the well-being of the inmates. The initiatives include providing necessary medical services, helping inmates become financially self-reliant, arranging cultural programs inside prisons for entertainment, and creating opportunities for football, T20 cricket, and volleyball games. Plans have also been taken to expand prison capacity and improve the environment of old prisons.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Additional Inspector General of Prisons Colonel Mohammad Mostafa Kamal stated that several correctional, developmental, and rehabilitation activities are continuously being carried out in prisons as part of the current government's initiatives. He expressed hope that Bangladesh's prison system would be able to stand alongside other international institutions in ensuring human rights and implementing correctional programs. The proposals to review and modernize the existing prison law have been submitted to the ministry, which, once approved, will facilitate corrective and rehabilitation measures for inmates.
The nutritional content of inmates' meals has been improved, with the quantity of fish and meat increased to 54 grams from the previous 36 grams of protein. However, a proposal has been submitted to the government to further increase this to 100 grams, as 54 grams is still deemed insufficient. Additionally, measures are underway to address the shortage of prison doctors, with plans to appoint physicians through deputation from the Health Ministry or direct recruitment.
A project to procure 72 ambulances to address the shortage of prison ambulances is under consideration by the Ministry of Finance after passing through the Ministry of Home Affairs. Once implemented, it will facilitate the transfer of inmates to nearby government hospitals for treatment. Cultural programs are also being organized during major festivals to provide mental relief, with a cultural group formed by talented inmate artists who visit different prisons within their division to organize cultural events.
The Prison Directorate reports that inmates receive a varied menu for their meals, which includes bread, vegetables, and halwa for breakfast on 17 days of the month, while khichuri is served on the remaining days. Lunch consists of rice with fish or meat, vegetables, and lentils, and dinner includes rice with vegetables and lentils. Inmates convicted of minor offenses are released under general amnesty on occasions such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and national days. The government is also considering the release of inmates who have completed 20 years of their sentences, including remission, in accordance with prison regulations.
Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Dewan Md. Tarikul Islam noted that Bangladesh currently has 74 prisons, including 15 central prisons and 59 district prisons. In Dhaka Division alone, there are 20 prisons, including both central and district prisons, with Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj being a major facility. The total prison capacity is 43,157 inmates, including 41,179 for men and 1,978 for women, while the current average number of inmates is approximately 81,000.
Senior Jail Super of Dhaka Central Jail Faruk Ahmed highlighted significant improvements in the prison environment compared to the past. Modern bread-making machines have been installed, and facilities for sports such as football, volleyball, and cricket are available for inmate recreation, along with musical programs featuring inmate artists. An initiative to build a state-of-the-art Chattogram Central Jail at Jangal Salimpur in Sitakunda Upazila of Chattogram district is also underway, which will include opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and sports.
The foundation of the prison system in Bangladesh dates back to 1788 during British rule, with formal prison activities beginning with the establishment of a criminal ward or detention center in the Chawkbazar area of Old Dhaka. Later, in 1836, prisons were built in various districts and subdivision headquarters across undivided India, and integrated prison management was introduced in 1864.