Prisons, jails, or correctional facilities are a kind of “separate world”—a place where even the vast sky seems out of sight. It is often said that those who have never been to prison can never truly understand what it really is.
From the outside, one only sees the tall, imposing walls, but once inside, it becomes clear that within the prison lies another prison—along with countless problems and crises.
Although prison authorities claim that a prison is not merely a place for punishment but one for rehabilitation, and even at the prison gates it is written in bold letters, “We will keep them safe and show them the path of light,” the reality often tells a different story.
Last month, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons for the Sylhet Division stated in a speech, “Prison is not just a place of punishment; it is also a place for reform and rehabilitation.” Claiming that the authorities view prisoners with humanity, he expressed optimism that the prison system could be made modern and humane through the responsibility, dedication, and professionalism of prison officials.
But the question remains: What is the actual condition of our prisons? How good is the environment inside? In what state do the prisoners live? Do they receive the promised and necessary facilities?
A report published in the media yesterday has drawn attention to the alarming health risks faced by inmates of the Chattogram Central Jail. Tests have found harmful germs, fecal matter, and coliform bacteria in the prison’s water supply—an utterly disastrous finding.
According to prison sources, with assistance from a team of the International Red Cross, water samples from 10 out of the jail’s 11 submersible pumps were tested in a Dhaka laboratory. The lab report revealed the presence of bacteria in five of those samples, with three containing harmful coliform bacteria.
It is known that about 6,000 inmates currently reside in that prison, using this contaminated water daily for drinking as well as for cooking, bathing, and sanitation. Prison officials suspect that the bacteria entered the water supply due to a mixing of the prison’s sewage and water lines.
The tragic part is that, even after learning of the contamination, prisoners are still forced to drink and use this water due to a shortage of clean water—an appalling situation indeed.
And this is not an isolated case. The environmental conditions in almost all prisons across the country are extremely poor. Bangladesh’s 68 prisons are housing nearly double their official capacity—around 80,000 inmates in total. Most of these facilities are plagued by a wide range of problems.
It must be remembered that those who are imprisoned or remain in custody for long periods are already in a fragile mental state. The overcrowding further deteriorates their health. Under such stressful and unhealthy conditions, prisoners become increasingly vulnerable.
When their living and hygiene conditions worsen in such circumstances, it goes without saying that they suffer indescribable hardship. Yet, proper care and facilities are their legal right.
Therefore, in light of the above-mentioned problems in Chattogram Prison—as well as the ongoing issues in other prisons—the relevant authorities must take sincere and proactive measures. Complaints of mismanagement and irregularities within prisons are nothing new.
At the very least, steps must be taken to ensure a safe and healthy environment for prisoners, considering their fundamental right to health.
