Construction of the new location of Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj is almost complete and the jail authorities are hoping to move there after November 15.
Addressing a press conference in Prisons Headquarters at Bakshibazar yesterday, Inspector General of Prisons Brig Gen Syed Iftekhar Uddin said the move would happen after November 15 at the earliest convenience of the prime minister.
Built over 194 acres of land at Rajendrapur in South Keraniganj, the new prison will provide much improved accommodation to the prisoners than the current location in the capital’s Nazimuddin Road, which spans around 17 acres, the inspector general said.
The new jail will be fully equipped to house 4,000 male and 200 female prisoners. However, if necessary, the number of male prisoners can be doubled, sources said.
The present jail in Nazimuddin Road has the capacity to house 2,826 prisoners in total, but is currently home to 7,531 male and 160 female prisoners.
Brig Gen Iftekhar said the new prison will provide nearly 100sq-ft per inmate which is far bigger than what inmates at the prisons in the neighbouring countries get. It also includes a separate wing to accommodate 100 juvenile and 30 mentally ill prisoners.
The move will happen in two phases – first, the male prisoners will be moved to Keraniganj. The female inmates will be temporarily shifted to Kashimpur prison, but will be taken to Keraniganj after the construction of women’s wing is complete, the inspector general said.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
