The traditional perception of prisons as places only for punishment and suffering is gradually changing at Chuadanga District Jail, where authorities have taken several initiatives to create a more rehabilitative environment for inmates.
Changes in management, regular searches, free visitation facilities, recreational arrangements and legal assistance for prisoners are helping transform the jail into a correctional facility, according to prison authorities.
Established on nearly nine acres of land, Chuadanga District Jail currently houses 790 male and 27 female inmates, officials said.
The facility has eight inmate buildings, including single-storey and double-storey structures, a 20-bed prison hospital, a juvenile ward, a library, 24 cells and a canteen. A doctor provides round-the-clock service at the hospital.
The jail also has residential facilities for the jail superintendent and separate barracks for male and female prison guards.
A total of 90 officers and employees, including the jailer, are currently working at the facility. Of them, 80 are male prison guards and 10 are female guards.
Prison authorities said Jailor Md Shakhawat Hossain has been regularly listening to inmates’ complaints and needs since taking charge.
They said regular inspections by the deputy commissioner, district and sessions judge and other government and private prison inspectors have increased transparency and accountability in prison administration.
A recently released inmate, who spent three years in jail, expressed satisfaction with the current management.
He said conditions, including food quality and various activities, had improved in recent months. He added that strict discipline has reduced the scope for irregularities and misconduct inside the prison.
Jailor Md Shakhawat Hossain said the prison has been made free of narcotics within 20 days of him taking charge.
“Regular searches are being conducted to prevent the entry of illegal substances. Suspected inmates and prison staff are also being kept under special monitoring,” he said.
He said initiatives have been taken to make the prison campus free from mobile phones.
“Free visitation facilities have been introduced for visitors to meet inmates. If poor inmates require legal assistance, lawyers are being appointed through the district legal aid committee,” he added.
The jailor said authorities are also prioritising inmates’ mental well-being.
While recreational opportunities were previously limited, televisions have now been installed in every ward. Inmates also have access to carrom games, exercise and physical training facilities.
Flower gardens have been developed to improve the prison environment, while benches have been placed on paved areas to allow inmates to spend their leisure time.
The prison authorities said their goal is to help inmates return to normal life after completing their sentences.
As part of rehabilitation efforts, initiatives have been taken to eliminate illiteracy and provide religious education. Inmates are also allowed to practise their respective religions in each ward.
Through these reform and rehabilitation programmes, authorities are working to reduce criminal tendencies among inmates and create an environment that helps them reintegrate into society.
