By BM Nur Alam

DHAKA, Sept 5, 2026 (BSS) - The government has taken a series of initiatives to reform and rehabilitate prison inmates while making the country's prison system more modern, humane, transparent and technology-driven.

As part of the initiatives, sports, cultural programmes, religious education, counselling and other activities aimed at improving inmates' mental well-being have been introduced in different prisons.

To facilitate communication between inmates and their families, video-call facilities have also been introduced. Narayanganj District Jail has already launched video calls allowing inmates to communicate with their relatives.

Md Masud Hasan Jewel, jailer (Logistics and Media) at the Department of Prisons, Dhaka, told BSS that inmates are being provided with vocational training and opportunities to engage in productive activities so they can develop skills useful for their lives after release.

Soap production is currently underway at Kashimpur Central Jail-2, with the products being supplied for use by inmates and prison staff. The authorities plan to expand such training and income-generating activities in the future.

The government has also taken steps to improve healthcare facilities for inmates. A central prison hospital is planned in Keraniganj to provide better medical services, while a pathology laboratory is also planned at the Prison Headquarters for medical tests of prison officials and employees.

The Department of Prisons has received recommendations for the appointment of 55 diploma nurses, whose deployment is expected to further strengthen healthcare services in prisons.

Efforts are also underway to improve access to safe drinking water. A mineral drinking water plant has been installed at Kashimpur Central Jail-2, and water is already being supplied to inmates and staff.

Food preparation and distribution systems are also being modernised. At Dhaka Central Jail, a modern bread-making machine imported from China has been installed, enabling the authorities to produce hygienic bread of uniform quality for a large number of inmates within a shorter time.

Senior Jail Superintendent of Dhaka Central Jail Faruk Ahmed told BSS that the modern system has reduced reliance on traditional methods and improved efficiency in food preparation. Special allocations are also kept for serving improved meals to inmates on special occasions.

Alongside these measures, inmates are being trained in making clothing, shoes and sandals, as well as bakery products. They are also being encouraged to participate in sports, religious education and cultural programmes organised on different national and special occasions.

The government has also taken initiatives for the welfare of prison officials and employees. Responding to a longstanding demand, it has given in-principle approval for providing lifetime ration facilities to retired prison guards. 

The implementation process is underway.

The authorities are also strengthening mechanisms to recognise officials and employees who make outstanding contributions to prison security, prevention of inmate escapes, prevention of irregularities, disaster response and humanitarian services.

Measures are being taken to make awards, certificates of appreciation and institutional recognition more effective.

A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted to prevent drugs from entering prisons and to curb drug-related activities. A drug-testing machine has been procured for the Prison Headquarters, which is expected to strengthen anti-drug measures across the prison system.

Environmental initiatives have also been taken to make prisons healthier and more eco-friendly. Around 18,000 trees have already been planted at Sylhet-1, Kishoreganj-1 and Khulna New Jail under a major greening programme.

The Department of Prisons said it is working to build a modern correctional service through merit-based promotion, professional training, technology-based security, inmate rehabilitation, staff welfare, recognition of good performance and environmentally friendly prison management.

The authorities expect these initiatives to bring about a positive change in the public perception of prisons. The goal is to make prisons safer and more humane, ensure that prison personnel are skilled, honest and professional, and provide inmates with genuine opportunities for correction and rehabilitation.

The government has also taken steps to construct new prisons to reduce overcrowding and enhance management capacity.

The Department of Prisons said its efforts would continue to transform Bangladesh's prison system into a safer, modern, humane, transparent, technology-driven and accountable correctional service.