Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the Dhaka Central Jail that inherits rich history of ancient Dhaka and Bengal, will be shifted to Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital in June.
The premier made the statement while inaugurating Prison Week at Kashimpur Prison Campus Parade Field in Gazipur in the morning.
She said: “After the shifting, Bangabandhu Memorial Museum and National Four Leaders Memorial Museum will be opened for people and the remaining area of the jail will be turned into a park, serving the need for open spaces.”
The process of shifting the Dhaka Central Jail has been going on in phases since 2003. A portion of the jail was shifted to Gazipur after the establishment of four separate jails in Kashimpur. The project for constructing jails in Keraniganj on 194 acres of land was approved in the 2005-06 fiscal year. The construction work began in September 2007.
At the programme, Sheikh Hasina said the government is implementing massive programmes for improvement of jail atmosphere. The concept of prison came to award punishment to the offenders but in the civilised world, the prisons are used as centres of correction and rehabilitation, she added.
Congratulating the prison officials and employees marking the Prison Week, the prime minister said the week was being observed after a span of seven years. She hoped that the observance of the day will enhance working spirit among the prison workers and ensure disciplined and safe custody of the prisoners, reports BSS.
She said jail keepers play important role in maintaining law and order in the society through keeping the convicted and accused persons safe and secured in jail. The security system of the prisons would be modernised so that militants and top terrorists cannot conduct their activities from the jail, she added.
At the same time she warned that stern action will be taken against the persons who will assist the militants, terrorists or drug traders. “The jail authorities have to face tougher punishment if any of them is found to be involved with militancy, drug dealing or any other crime,” Sheikh Hasina said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government has started relocation of 100 years old dilapidated Khulna District Jail and Sylhet Central Jail for widening their spaces. New prisons were already inaugurated in Brahamanbaria, Jhenaidah, Chandpur, Meherpur, Gopalganj, Natore, Nilphamari and Netrokona districts while construction of new jails in Dinajpur, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Feni, Madaripur and Pirozpur are going on.
Renovation work of Chittagong Central Jail has been completed and new perimeter of Dhaka Central Jail was constructed, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said the inmates of jails are being provided vocational training for their self-employment and manufacture various products having demands at home and abroad.
She said the government has a plan to construct a multi-storied convention centre and its income will be utilised for welfare of the jail staffs. “A training institute will also be established for jail officials and employees,” she said.
