Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said state must rehabilitate inmates as reformed citizens while safeguarding their fundamental rights.
He stressed ensuring security and protecting human rights are complementary responsibilities in prison management.
The adviser made the remarks on Tuesday morning at the closing parade of the 63rd batch of the Basic Training Course for female prison guards at the Prison Training Centre in Kashimpur, Gazipur.
Humane treatment, fair access to facilities, equality, and social dignity for prisoners are not only legal obligations but also a reflection of the nation’s moral standing.
“Prisoners’ security must go hand in hand with the protection of their rights. Trained and compassionate prison staff play an indispensable role in this,” he said.
He described prisons as sensitive and vital institutions, integral to the criminal justice system. He emphasised that the prison administration ensures the safe custody of inmates, supports crime prevention, facilitates offender rehabilitation, and aids social reintegration.
“The role of prison officers is critical in establishing a non-discriminatory, just, transparent, and accountable prison system,” he said, adding that the new trainees, with dedication, integrity, and professionalism, would uphold these responsibilities.
Lieutenant General Chowdhury also warned against corruption, calling it the greatest enemy of the state. He said it undermines institutions and erodes public trust.
“Any prison staff acting for personal gain, greed, or political advantage not only breaks the law but weakens the state. Prison staff are public servants, paid from taxpayers’ money, and must prioritise public welfare above all,” he said.
During the ceremony, the adviser inspected the parade and awarded top-performing female officers. The trainees demonstrated various physical exercises and displays.
Notably, Liza Khatun secured first place in drill, Raihana Akter Suborna topped in PT, Juthi Parvin excelled in unarmed combat, and Mansura led in firing.
Overall, Raihana Akter Suborna achieved the highest distinction across all areas, including academic performance.
At a briefing with journalists following the closing parade of the 63rd batch of female prison guards’ basic training course at the Prison Training Centre parade ground in Kashimpur, Gazipur Home Adviser said there is no doubt regarding the forthcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.
Addressing the briefing, the adviser dismissed any claims that the election could be unstable or fraudulent due to messages from former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India.
“The stability of the election does not depend on any audio message from abroad. There is no possibility of the election being rigged or unstable. If they have the courage, they can come to the country and raise issues under the law. Since they lack courage, they are speaking from afar. Their supporters inside the country have mostly left. Many have taken shelter in different countries. The fascists have fled the country,” he said.
He also urged cooperation from foreign nations in returning fugitive criminals to Bangladesh.
On the recruitment process under the interim government, he said no corruption occurred in appointments to the prison department or other forces.
“This time, recruitment under the Home Ministry has been fully transparent and impartial. No lobbying or money exchange was involved. Corruption remains the biggest challenge in Bangladesh. We have removed corruption from our ministry’s recruitment process with courage and determination,” he added.
The adviser also noted that food quality and quantity for prisoners have been increased. He called on new prison guards to perform their duties with patriotism, integrity, skill, and professionalism.
The briefing was attended by IG Prisons, Brigadier General Syed Md Motahar Hossain, among others.
