The government is planning to rename "Bangladesh Jail" to "Correction Services Bangladesh" to prioritize correction and rehabilitation, said Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Muhammad Motahar Hussain.
He made these remarks at a press briefing at the Directorate of Prisons headquarters in Bakshibazar, Dhaka, on Tuesday.
IG prisons said that the name change reflects a shift in focus towards modernising the prison system and aligning it with contemporary needs.
He further revealed that a draft Correction Services Act 2025 has been finalised and submitted for government approval.
This new legislation aims to update the country's prison laws to make them more relevant and effective in addressing modern-day challenges.
To address overcrowding in prisons, Motahar Hussain announced that two new central prisons and four district jails have recently been opened.
Additionally, Dhaka Division has been divided into two administrative zones to improve coordination and management.
Highlighting ongoing challenges, the inspector general disclosed that over 2,700 prisoners escaped during the mass uprising in July last year.
Of these, 700 remain at large, including nine identified militants and 69 individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
He also said that 29 firearms, looted from prison armouries during the July unrest, have not yet been recovered.
While responding to a question, IG Prisons said, “Currently, 163 prisoners are getting division facilities, with 28 more applications pending approval.”
Brigadier General Motahar Hussain emphasised that significant reforms are underway in the prison system, aiming to balance security measures with rehabilitation initiatives.
He said a proposal is underway to establish a correctional industrial park to capitalize on the manpower inside the prisons.
“We have approximately 70,000-75,000 prisoners in our prisons every year, and 50,000 of them are physically capable of earning, so we are considering utilizing their earning potential inside the prisons by installing an industrial park. This initiative will benefit the family members of the prisoners,” said IG Prisons.
