The Department of Prisons has taken action against officials for irregularities, including financial transactions.
A total of 12 officials were dismissed, six were sent on forced retirement and 84 were suspended in the last seven months, Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain said at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
Besides, it filed departmental cases against 260 people and 270 people have been sentenced to different terms during the same period, he added.
Motaher said strict directives were issued to jail superintendents and deputy inspectors general (DIGs) to ensure that prisoners receive proper food and facilities, barring any involvement in financial transactions.
He assured everyone that there will be no leniency towards officers and employees who breach the rules and that swift accountability measures are in place.
As part of these efforts, the department took numerous disciplinary action, including dismissals, compulsory retirements, suspensions and transfers.
He added that the current administration is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the prison system.
“In an effort to modernise the system, various initiatives based on modern technology have been introduced to improve prisoner management,” the prisons chief also said.
These include a nationwide hotline to gather information related to prisoners, digital visitor management to reduce the suffering of prisoners during interviews, and comprehensive prisoner management software, which will oversee various aspects such as cash management, telephone conversations, canteen management and medical issues, controlled through RFID technology.
Besides, mandatory body cameras for prison officers and employees in critical areas were being implemented, and the prison's fibre network connectivity was being expanded, which would enhance the security and efficiency of 69 prisons.
Addressing the persistent issue of overcrowding, Motaher mentioned that the newly opened Sylhet Central Jail 2 (Metropolitan Jail) has increased prison capacity and another special prison is in development in Keraniganj.
Efforts to expand older prisons, such as those in Rangpur and Rajshahi, are also underway, he added.
The establishment of a central prison hospital is in the approval process to provide advanced medical services for inmates.
Claiming that a group is trying to destabilise the country, the inspector general of prisons said breaking up the syndicate of immoral beneficiaries for 15 years and making quick changes is a big challenge.