DHAKA, Dec 4, 2024 (BSS) - Inspector General (IG) of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain today said initiatives have been taken to improve the quality of the country's prisons, including their renovations.

“There are 69 prisons across the country. Out of these, 17 prisons are very old and risky and the government is aware about it. These need urgent renovation, repair and reconstruction. Initiatives are being taken in this regard,” he said in a press conference at the Department of Prisons Headquarters at Bakshibazar here.

The total capacity of 60 prisons is 42,000, he said, adding that the number of prisoners in jails is currently 65,000.

The prisons chief said initiatives have already been taken to serve improved food to prisoners in jails.

He also said that prisoners have got the opportunity to talk to their relatives and lawyers over mobile phones.

  “We have taken steps to launch a hotline so that the relatives of the prisoners can know about the status of bail of prisoners concerned,” he said.
   

He said that 1,500 prisoners who escaped after August 5 last are now in jails while 700 others are still absconding.

In replying to a question, the IG prisons said that four prison superintendents have been sent on compulsory retirement while several other complaints are being reviewed and investigated at various levels.

“The action was taken against them based on the evidence of specific allegations,” he said.

High ups of the Department of Prisons were present on the occasion.