The festive spirit of Eid even reached the prisoners as they experienced Eid prayers, special meals, cultural programs, and sports activities – a bit more joy than their usual daily lives.
On Saturday, over 73,000 inmates across the country’s 71 prisons celebrated Eid in a unique way. Prison authorities organised various events in all correctional facilities.
At Dhaka Central Jail, special meals, entertainment, and cultural programs were arranged. In Keraniganj Central Jail, imprisoned musician Moinul Ahsan Noble performed at a cultural event, captivating the inmates with his songs.
At 3:30pmn on Eid day, Noble took the stage and sang popular tracks like “Abhinay,” “Vigi Vigi,” and “Shei Tumi Ken Eto Acheena Hoy Gele.” Other artists also performed, stirring emotions among the prisoners and creating a lively, festive atmosphere.
Additional Inspector General of Prisons Colonel Mohammad Mostafa Kamal said, “In every prison, we strive to make Eid special for inmates. They receive special meals, and if their families send homemade food, it is given to them. Visiting hours are also made more flexible for family members on Eid day.”
“We want prisoners to experience Eid differently. Cultural programs are organised in every jail, where inmates themselves perform songs, poems, and dramas. This positively impacts their mental well-being.”
According to the Prisons Directorate, the country’s 71 jails currently house around 73,000 inmates, with 25,373 prisoners in 18 jails (including five central prisons) in the Dhaka division. Such arrangements are made every Eid.
This year, alongside cultural events, activities included Quran recitation, Azan competitions, Seerat quizzes, and football matches, adding to the festive spirit behind bars.