The Directorate of Prisons has taken an initiative to rename prisons as ‘Correction Services Bangladesh’, said Inspector General of Prisons (IGP) Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain on Tuesday.

The draft of the Correction Service Act-2025 has been finalised and submitted for approval, he said at a press conference held at the prison headquarters.

He said two new central jails and four district jails have recently been inaugurated to address overcrowding.

Highlighting manpower shortages Motaher Hossain said the government has approved 1,899 new posts and a proposal for an additional 1,500 positions is under consideration.

He said all prisons across the country have been connected under the directorate’s own fiber network.

Digital attendance systems, team trackers, comprehensive mobile jamming systems, body scanners, luggage scanners, ground sweeping machines and mobile detectors are being used to strengthen security.

AI-based CCTV cameras and body cameras for duty officers have also been introduced, he said.

The IGP added that telephone calls and visitation for inmates have been digitalised to ensure transparency and reduce harassment with hotline service 16191 launched for prisoner-related information.

On food facilities, he said protein intake has been increased in inmates’ diets with further enhancements including allocations for breakfast and special occasions approved.

Besides, a central prison hospital will be built in Keraniganj to serve inmates as well as prison staff, he said.

Initiatives for mental health include sports, cultural programmes, religious education and counseling sessions.

Brig Gen Motaher Hossain said the government has approved lifelong ration facilities for retiring prison guards while officers and employees will receive improved packaged rations and allowances for special occasions. Mandatory physical training and fitness monitoring have also been introduced.

The IGP reiterated the department’s “zero tolerance” policy on drugs noting that 29 members were sent to prison over narcotics-related offenses last year while a dope-testing machine has been procured to strengthen monitoring.

On corruption, he said strict action has been taken, including compulsory retirement, dismissal of 34 staff, departmental action against 440, and transfer of 172 on administrative grounds.