The nation is witnessing a transformative shift in the landscape of its divisional and district prisons, aiming to bolster prisoner accommodation and security measures amidst a surge in political incarcerations. This strategic initiative, brewing for several years, is aimed at suppressing the opposition, and other political ideologies. Plans are underway to expand and fortify the capacity of district jails, fostering self-contained treatment capabilities for inmates and thereby minimising external transfers. As part of this endeavour, district jails are slated for elevation to the status of central jails.
In a noteworthy development, Khulna jail, initially designed for 608 individuals, is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul, evolving into a state-of-the-art central jail accommodating up to 2,000 inmates and convicts. The construction, commenced seven years ago, has recently gained momentum and is poised for imminent completion, estimated at a project cost of 251 crores.
A modern district jail, sprawled across approximately 30 acres in Asankhali Mauza, Chok Mathurabad of Dumuria upazila, Khulna, is swiftly taking shape. Comprising 73 varying-sized buildings, this prison complex will feature segregated quarters for under-trial and sentenced prisoners. It includes a 10-bed women's hospital and a specialised motivation centre for mothers and children. Further amenities encompass a 50-bed hospital for male prisoners, an educational institution, a contemporary library, dining facilities, salons, and laundry services. Moreover, the jail premises will house dedicated wards and day-care centres catering to children, ensuring educational, sporting, recreational, and cultural provisions. Specific accommodations for mother-prisoners with children, vocational training workshops for male and female inmates, separate visitor rooms, an LP gas plant, and a pond constitute integral components of this extensive plan.
Simultaneously, Jamalpur District Jail undergoes a transformational overhaul, slated for a Tk 210 crore renovation, including constructing a six-story modern facility, administrative buildings, officer and employee accommodations, and segregated wards for women, men, and juvenile prisoners.
The District Jail Reconstruction Project, devised by the Directorate of Architecture under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, encompasses various developments. It involves land development, the construction of barracks for under-trial and sentenced male prisoners, facilities for male category inmates and juveniles, a hospital for male prisoners, wards dedicated to mentally ill and mother prisoners, and day-care centres for children. Furthermore, it integrates a Care Centre, a workshed and recreational centre for female prisoners, a school within the female jail premises, designated wards for classified and juvenile female inmates, individual cells for female prisoners, an Interview Block, an Administration Building, accommodations for bachelor officers, construction of residential quarters measuring 800 sqft and two at 650 sqft each, workshed constructions, establishment of storage facilities, laundry, and a salon. Provisions are made for a visitors' waiting room, a barracks building for 75 men equipped with an MI unit, the erection of various walls including the boundary, perimeter, and segregation walls, construction of an RCC walkway, a pump house, a canteen, a parade ground, and supplementary physical infrastructure. Crucially, the project involves the installation of a sewage treatment plant (STP), excavation of ponds, deployment of elevators, incorporation of solar power systems, forestry arrangements, procurement of vehicles and furniture, establishment of a jail hospital and security apparatus, fire-fighting equipment, exterior electrification, outdoor water supply arrangements, office equipment, generators, electrical substations, among other vital components.
Additionally, Narsingdi district witnessed the inception of a new prison, a Tk 326 crore project integrating advanced information technology. It also encompasses accommodations for single and family arrangements for prison officers and staff. The construction plan involves erecting two six-story barracks for male prisoners, a six-story building specifically designed for sentenced prisoners, a four-story barracks, and a 100-bed hospital dedicated to male inmates. Additionally, provisions include a two-story barracks tailored for mentally challenged prisoners. Furthermore, the construction blueprint incorporates a five-story edifice for female under-trial and sentenced prisoners, a two-story building designated for female inmates, a four-story structure catering to classified and juvenile female prisoners, and a three-story building for inmate interactions with their relatives. Moreover, there are plans for a three-story administrative building for jail operations, a similar building for bachelor officers, five-story residential quarters of varying sizes (1250 sq.ft., 1000 sq.ft., and 800 sq.ft.), and two 650 sq.ft. residential units. Facilities such as laundry and salon amenities will also be available. Further developments include the construction of a waiting room for visitors to meet the prisoners.
Simultaneous expansions and modernizations of Mymensingh Central Jail, the reconstruction of Comilla Central Jail, and the upgrade and construction of various prisons across the country are ongoing, aimed at maintaining consistent facilities and standards. In tandem, robust security measures are being implemented.
Information from the Directorate of Prisons reveals that while the collective capacity of 68 prisons nationwide is 42,866, the actual number of inmates stood at 85,442 as of November 2. Following the November 28 BNP rally, this number has been steadily increasing. Concerns arise that the prisoner count might surge further if the political landscape intensifies, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming national elections. As a preemptive measure, the Directorate of Prisons is gearing up to accommodate at least an additional 40,000 inmates within the prison system.
In response to the situation, efforts are underway to transfer prisoners from overcrowded facilities to those with comparatively lower inmate populations. However, these measures did not adequately alleviate the pressure due to a remarkable influx of political party leaders and activists facing charges, including cases of sabotage. Notably, the prisons in Dhaka division currently hold a significantly higher number of inmates compared to other divisions, hosting more than one-third of the total incarcerated population.
Statistics indicate that the cumulative capacity of 17 prisons in Dhaka Division stands at 13,322, yet the current inmate count surpasses this at 30,315. Among these facilities, there's capacity for 12,731 male prisoners, but there are presently 29,245 incarcerated. Conversely, the capacity for female prisoners is 591, whereas there are 1,070 female inmates. Dhaka Central Jail, housing the most significant number of prisoners within this category, is designed for 4,590 inmates but currently holds 11,168. To manage this overwhelming pressure, around two to three hundred prisoners are transferred daily to Kashimpur jail. Contrarily, Madaripur District Jail in Dhaka Division houses the fewest inmates, numbering only 352 against a capacity of 507.
Before the last parliamentary elections, the inmate count exceeded 100,000. Drawing from past experience, the police department has refined its strategies in anticipation of similar circumstances this time.
It's noteworthy that as per the Jail Code, 36 feet of space is stipulated for each prisoner, but presently, two to three individuals are sharing the space meant for one person.
Addressing the situation on September 3, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal stated in Dhaka that the country's prisons possess nearly double the capacity for inmates. He mentioned that the total capacity is 42,866, comprising 40,937 male and 1,929 female prisoners. However, the current reality reflects a count of 77,203 inmates across 68 prisons nationwide.