By B M Noor Alam

DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS)- 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.

Additional Inspector General of Prisons Colonel Mohammad Mostafa Kamal told BSS that, as part of the current government’s initiatives, various correctional, developmental, and rehabilitation activities are continuously being carried out in prisons.

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.

“We have submitted proposals to the ministry for reviewing and modernizing the existing prison law. Once the law is approved, it will become easier to take corrective and rehabilitation measures for inmates," he said.

He further said that the quantity of fish and meat in inmates’ meals has been increased to improve nutrition. 

Previously, the food provided to jail inmates contained only 36 grams of protein. That amount has now been raised to 54 grams. However, he noted that 54 grams is still insufficient, and a proposal has been sent to the government to increase it to 100 grams.

In addition, initiatives have been taken to address the issue of shortage of prison doctors and appointing physicians either through deputation from the Health Ministry or through direct recruitment.

The AIG said a project has been undertaken to procure 72 ambulances to address the shortage of prison ambulances. 

The project is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Finance after passing through the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

He expressed hope that work on the project could move forward in the next fiscal year. Once implemented, it will be easier to transfer inmates to nearby government hospitals for treatment.

He said that cultural programs are being organized during major festivals to provide mental relief for inmates. Many inmates are talented artists, and a cultural group has been formed with them. The group visits different prisons within their division and organizes cultural events.

The jail inmates are being trained in handicrafts so they can earn income and financially support their families, he noted.

According to the Prison Directorate, inmates receive bread, vegetables, and halwa for breakfast on 17 days of the month, while khichuri is served on the remaining days. Lunch includes rice with fish or meat, vegetables, and lentils. Dinner consists of rice with vegetables and lentils.

On the occasions of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and national days, inmates convicted of minor offenses are released under general amnesty. 

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 told BSS that there are currently 74 prisons in the country, including 15 central prisons and 59 district prisons. 

In Dhaka Division alone, there are 20 prisons, including both central and district prisons, among which Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj is one of the major facilities.

Of the 74 prisons, 20 are in Dhaka Division, 4 in Mymensingh Division, 8 in Rajshahi Division, 5 in Sylhet Division, 12 in Chattogram Division, 7 in Barishal Division, 8 in Rangpur Division, and 11 in Khulna Division.

The total prison capacity is 43,157 inmates, including 41,179 for men and 1,978 for women. Currently, the country’s prisons have an average 81,000 inmates.

He said that canteen facilities have been introduced in every prison. As a result, inmates’ relatives can easily deposit money online into inmates’ accounts for food expenses. Around 2,000 prisoners who have served long terms are also being considered for special release opportunities.

Senior Jail Super of Dhaka Central Jail Faruk Ahmed told BSS that the prison in Keraniganj currently houses 10,800 inmates, although it has accommodation facilities for 4,590 prisoners.

He said that the prison environment has improved significantly compared to the past. Modern bread-making machines have been installed, and facilities for football, volleyball, and cricket are available for inmates’ recreation.

Musical programs are also organized from time to time with inmate artists.

An initiative has also been taken to build a state-of-the-art Chattogram Central Jail at Jangal Salimpur in Sitakunda Upazila of Chattogram district.

The new facility will include opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and sports.

The foundation of the prison system in Bangladesh was initiated dates back in 1788 during British rule. 

Formal prison activities began 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.