NHRC chief: Legal aid to inmates awaiting trial for years

National Human Rights Commission Chairman Kazi Rezaul Hoque said the government will provide legal aid to those who have been confined at different jails for ten years and whose trial is yet to be finished. The government will also take measures to release the convicts, who have been serving in prison for over 20 years, he added. “Those serving jail term for more than 20 years has less criminal tendency. Considering the fact, we are considering taking measures to help them get released from jail,” he said while talking to journalists after a surprise visit at Sylhet Central Jail on Monday. During the one-and-a-half-hour-long visit starting from 8:30am, Rezaul also had conversation with inmates, who are confined there without trial for years, assuring them of legal assistance. Accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Prisons AKM Faqlul Haq, Sylhet's Additional District Magistrate Abu Safayat Md Shahedul Islam and Sylhet Central Jail's Senior Jailer Md Chhagir Mia, Rezaul also visited juvenile and female wards, and the kitchen of the jail. Inmates, who are kept in the jail and whose trail is still pending even after ten years, at the prison number at least four, while there are 18 prisoners, who are awaiting an end to their trial proceedings for over five years.