Bangladesh Prisons Overcrowded, Government Expands Facilities and Reforms Conditions

Bangladesh's prison system is facing a severe overcrowding crisis, with current inmate numbers significantly exceeding official capacity. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed informed parliament that the nation's 75 prisons house 77,040 inmates, far surpassing the intended capacity of 45,136. This overcrowding presents a "serious problem" for prisoner accommodation.

To address the issue, the government has initiated several measures, including the operationalization of new facilities like the Special Central Jail in Keraniganj and additional district jails in Sylhet, Feni, and Khulna. Further expansions are planned with the upcoming opening of district jails in Kishoreganj, Madaripur, and Pirojpur. Reconstruction projects are also underway in Mymensingh, Cumilla, and Jamalpur, with new facilities being built in Narsingdi, collectively adding 2,955 spaces upon completion. Additional reconstruction in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Noakhali, Rangamati, and Khagrachhari aims to further increase accommodation capacity.

Beyond infrastructure, the government is focusing on ensuring humane conditions and transforming prisons into correctional facilities. Since August 2024, disciplinary actions have been taken against prison staff, including compulsory retirements, dismissals, and suspensions. Criminal cases have been filed against staff and prisoners for drug involvement, and many have been punished under prison codes. Regular drug tests for staff have identified positive cases, leading to dismissals. CCTV cameras are being installed in key areas to monitor food supply and prevent irregularities.

Furthermore, the prison law is being amended to align with international standards, promoting more democratic and correction-focused management. Life-term prisoners are engaged in productive work, creating handicrafts like sarees and shoes, with 50% of profits going to them. Vegetables grown in prison gardens are used for inmate meals, saving government funds. The income generated from prisoner-produced goods has seen a significant increase, rising from Tk 1.71 crore in fiscal year 2020-21 to Tk 2.96 crore in 2024-25.

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Due to overcrowding, accommodation of prisoners has become a serious problem.