Bangladesh's prisons are set for a major transformation into rehabilitation centres focused on reforming inmates and equipping them with skills for reintegration into society, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on Tuesday.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the 14th batch of Deputy Jail Superintendents and the 62nd batch of male and female prison guards at the Rajshahi Prison Training Centre, the adviser outlined several reform initiatives being introduced under the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Among the key initiatives is the establishment of ‘Correctional Industrial Parks’, which will provide inmates with skill development training and income-generating opportunities. “This will not only help prisoners support their families while in custody but also prepare them for life beyond prison walls,” said Jahangir Alam, reports BSS.
He also highlighted the crucial role of prison guards in maintaining discipline and treating inmates with dignity. The training programme, he said, is designed not just for professional readiness but also to foster values such as honesty, patriotism, and ethical integrity.
Urging the new recruits to embody anti-discrimination and perform their duties with dedication, the adviser stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in prison administration, where Deputy Jail Superintendents serve as key executives.
To bolster prison security, he announced plans for deploying advanced technologies including mobile jammers, independent internet systems, body and luggage scanners, and circuit detectors.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce the Bangladesh Jail Medal to recognise acts of bravery and excellence among prison staff. Policy steps are also being taken to ensure lifelong rations for retired prison personnel.
The event concluded with a formal parade inspection, oath-taking ceremony, and the distribution of awards. Deputy Superintendents Khadija Khatun Lima and DM Nusrat Al Islam were honoured as top performers from their batch.
Among the dignitaries present were Inspector General of Prisons Brig. Gen. Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain, Divisional Commissioner Khondkar Azim Ahmed, DIG of Rajshahi Range Mohammad Shahjahan, RMP Police Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufiyan, District Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam, and Commandant of the Rajshahi Jail Training Center Mohammad Kamal Hossain.
Following the ceremony, the Home Affairs Adviser visited Rajshahi Central Jail to review ongoing operations and conditions.
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