Ensure rights of women prisoners
A report by Banik Barta paints a grim picture of the environment inside Kashimpur Central Jail's women's section, the country's lone specialised prison for female inmates. Originally intended as a modern facility, the prison now faces severe overcrowding and substandard living conditions. According to the Department of Prisons, it has a capacity of 200 inmates but currently houses 450—more than twice its intended limit. This is posing serious health and security risks to the prisoners.
According to an inmate who was recently released from the prison, five to six prisoners are crammed into spaces meant for two. As a result, many inmates suffer from contagious diseases, including skin infections and fungal and bacterial outbreaks, due to prolonged exposure to unhygienic conditions. The sanitation system is subpar, and despite an approved position for a doctor at the prison, no physician is available to provide necessary medical care. This is unacceptable, demanding immediate action.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Overcrowding has been a longstanding issue in Bangladesh's prisons leading to deplorable living conditions and security risks. The trend of mixing hardened criminals with general inmates also increases the risk of violence and exploitation. Besides, there are many kinds of irregularities that often take place in the prisons, as a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report found in 2023
Reportedly, the overcrowding problem extends beyond Kashimpur. The total capacity of women's cells in district prisons across the country is 1,929, but they currently hold 2,981 women prisoners. When Kashimpur becomes too overcrowded, prisoners are temporarily transferred to these district jails—only to be brought back when space allows. This cycle of displacement raises the question: should this happen in a modern prison system?
Overcrowding has been a longstanding issue in Bangladesh's prisons leading to deplorable living conditions and security risks. The trend of mixing hardened criminals with general inmates also increases the risk of violence and exploitation. Besides, there are many kinds of irregularities that often take place in the prisons, as a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report found in 2023. We need a modern prison system that upholds basic human rights for inmates, focusing more on their rehabilitation rather than punishment.
A partial solution already exists for women prisoners: Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj has a modern facility dedicated to them, including a separate building for adolescent inmates, dedicated wards for the mentally ill, and a daycare centre for inmates with children. But this facility reportedly remains unused. Why hasn't it been inaugurated? If properly opened and operated, it could significantly reduce pressure on Kashimpur and improve living conditions for female prisoners. We urge the government to take this issue seriously and take all necessary steps to improve the living conditions of our prisoners.
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