A critical shortage of doctors and ambulances in the country’s prisons is putting inmates’ lives at risk, with deaths rising due to delays in medical care.
Despite repeated promises from past governments, including the previous Awami League administration and the subsequent interim government, no effective solution has been implemented, and mortality rates have gradually increased.
Rising inmate deaths
According to the Department of Prisons, 97 inmates died in the first two months of 2026 alone—55 in January and 42 in February.
Previous years also showed alarming figures. In 2025, 270 inmates died: 155 from natural causes, 111 on the way to hospitals, and four from unnatural causes.
In 2024, a total of 261 deaths were recorded, including 140 natural, 120 en route to hospitals, and one unnatural.
In 2023, total deaths reached 290, with 187 natural, 101 on the way to hospitals, and 2 unnatural.
From 2023 through February 2026, a total of 821 inmates have died, averaging nearly 22 deaths per month.
Doctor shortage reaches crisis level
While 146 doctor positions are approved across the country’s 68 prisons, only two doctors are permanently employed. This shortage makes it impossible to provide inmates with timely medical care.
Only Manikganj Jail and the Rajshahi Training Centre have doctors on duty 24/7. The remaining prisons rely on part-time doctors from the Civil Surgeon’s office.
Ambulance shortage compounds the problem
Of the 68 prisons, only 27 have ambulances. The lack of vehicles often forces reliance on hired transport, which delays hospital transfers and increases the risk of deaths en route.
Rising suicide rates among inmates
Suicide remains a serious concern among inmates. In February 2026, one inmate died by suicide at Dhaka Central Jail, Keraniganj.
Previous records show six suicides in 2025, three in 2024, two in 2023, four in 2022, and four in 2021.
Efforts and challenges
Brigadier General Syed Muhammad Motahar Hussain, inspector general of prisons, said that although positions for doctors exist, most remain unfilled. Only two doctors are permanently employed, while others serve temporarily through the Civil Surgeon’s office.
He added that with full-time doctors on duty, patients could be sent to hospitals promptly, reducing fatalities.
Multiple meetings with the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services, and the Ministry of Home Affairs have been held to address the shortage. Outsourcing doctor recruitment has been discussed, but a permanent solution is still pending.
Prison authorities stress that ensuring medical care for inmates is a state responsibility. However, long-standing staff and infrastructure shortages have made the situation increasingly critical. Despite assurances from the relevant ministries, tangible improvements remain limited.
