Rajshahi: After years behind bars, vans offer new aspirations to released prisoners with the aim of correcting and rehabilitating offenders. Vans were distributed among released prisoners in Rajshahi, while sports equipment was provided to inmates of the Rajshahi Central Jail.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the distribution was part of a joint initiative by the Offender Correction and Rehabilitation Association and the Probation Office. The event took place on the premises of the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner's Office, where Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam handed over two vans to Mithu and Muhammad Israfil of Konda West Para village in Bagmara upazila. Additional District Magistrate Umme Kulsum Sampa and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sabur Ali were also present during the distribution.
Mithu, who hails from Bildharampur village in Paba upazila, faced numerous challenges as he tried to adjust to life outside after a prolonged period of imprisonment. His family's financial struggles, coupled with the lack of a livelihood, left him uncertain about his future. Despite dreaming of a normal life post-release, he lacked the necessary capital to start working. The van provided by the Rajshahi administration has offered him a new opportunity to earn a living.
Upon receiving the van, Mithu expressed relief and gratitude, stating, "So many years of my life have been spent in prison. After being released, I was very worried about how I would run my family and how I would stand on my own feet." The Deputy Commissioner responded to Mithu's application and provided him with the van, which Mithu described as "a great gift for a helpless person like me."
Records from Rajshahi Central Jail indicate that Mithu was sentenced to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Tk 5,000, with an additional three months of simple imprisonment in default. He had been incarcerated since October 11, 2003, and was released on July 16 this year after completing his sentence.
Similarly, Muhammad Israfil, also recently released after serving 24 years in prison, received a van from the district administration to help him create employment opportunities post-release. Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, who had interacted with both men during a prison visit, emphasized the need for employment to help them lead better lives.
The Deputy Commissioner stated, "If they can be provided with employment, they will be able to spend the rest of their lives in a better way. For that purpose, they have been given two vans." The initiative aims to facilitate the return of released prisoners to normal life through employment after completing their prison terms.