17 out of 69 jails highly vulnerable amid call for urgent action

Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain has said that 17 out of Bangladesh's 69 jails are categorised as highly vulnerable, raising serious concerns over security and infrastructure.

"Many of these facilities are decades old, necessitating urgent action from the government," he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Directorate of Prisons in the capital today (4 December).

700 fugitives out of 2,200 who fled jail during mass uprising still missing: Prisons' IG

The IG mentioned a series of reforms aimed at improving conditions for inmates, including enhanced meals, better medical services, and expanded visitation rights. To mitigate these risks, the government has already begun constructing new prisons, he said.

Over 700 fugitives, including 70 militants, remain at large after escaping from different jails during the July-August mass uprising. During that period, over 2,200 detainees fled prisons.

Of those currently out on bail are 11 top criminals, as well as 174 linked to militant organisations, including JMB, said the IG prisons.

"We are making every possible effort to capture them [again]. However, the release of individuals is entirely under the jurisdiction of courts, and we are obliged to comply with court orders," he said.

He also provided updates on the current prison situation, highlighting serious concerns about security and infrastructure, reports UNB.

"Meals for prisoners now include higher protein levels to ensure better nutrition," said Motaher Hossain while outlining improvements implemented over the last three months.

He said medical services within the prison system have also seen a boost. "We've expedited ambulance deployment to respond swiftly to emergencies."

To address security challenges, he said, the prison authorities have introduced advanced surveillance systems. High-risk prisoners are housed in specialised cells equipped with mobile phone jammers, and daily searches are conducted to prevent illegal activities. 

CCTV cameras ensure continuous monitoring. New measures to prevent contraband smuggling include body scanners and dog squads deployed in vulnerable prisons.

Motaher Hossain stressed a crackdown on corruption within the prison system, with several officers being dismissed or reassigned for misconduct.

Rehabilitation remains a priority, with prisons increasingly being transformed into centres for vocational training and productivity, he said.

In partnership with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, a garment manufacturing line is being introduced, offering inmates employment opportunities after their release.

Besides, Motaher Hossain said, prison workshops are being modernised, and new manufacturing units are being set up to boost inmate productivity. Solar energy projects on prison rooftops are contributing to the country's green energy goals.

The Inspector General acknowledged gaps in prison healthcare, particularly the absence of dedicated cells in hospitals for inmate treatment.

He assured that plans are underway to establish a central prison hospital. Legal reforms to modernise prison laws and regulations are also being pursued.

Bangladesh's prison population has risen sharply, from 50,000 earlier this year to approximately 65,000. Despite the strain on infrastructure, authorities are taking measures to address overcrowding and improve living conditions.

Motaher Hossain also clarified recent concerns regarding "terrorist inmates", confirming that 15 prisoners had been convicted of terrorism-related offences.

According to data from the Department of Prisons, the country's 68 prisons have a capacity of 42,887 but are currently housing 53,831 inmates (as of October). 

The inmate count nearly doubled the capacity during the recent July-August uprising and in the lead-up to the general election on 7 January, primarily due to political prisoners – opposition leaders, activists, and protesters. On 2 November last year, the inmate count stood at 85,442, while on 3 August this year – just two days before the fall of the Awami League government – it reached 79,212.

Call for proper reform

The demand for prison reform is not new; however, it has gained momentum as the country prepares for widespread changes across various sectors.

Jyotirmoy Barua, a human rights activist and senior lawyer at the Supreme Court, told TBS that overcrowded prisons hinder inmates from fully accessing their rights under the prison code, constituting a serious violation of human rights. 

"A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by law, and it is the state's responsibility to uphold their rights. The government should consider temporary measures to ensure constitutional equality for the accused, except for those who have been convicted," he added.

Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir said prisons continue to operate under the British-era code, which lacks many provisions necessary for the present context. 

He pointed out that numerous benefits outlined in existing laws are not effectively implemented, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues. 

"Prison reforms are essential. We must modernise the prison system by integrating technology, human rights, and rehabilitation programmes with outdated laws and codes," he added.