Country’s prisons will be transformed into rehabilitation centres for their inmates, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday.

He made the announcement while addressing the passing-out parade of the 14th batch of Deputy Jail Superintendents and the 62nd batch of male and female prison guards at Rajshahi Prison Training Centre.

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Highlighting the interim government's reform-oriented approach under Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the adviser said initiatives are underway to establish ‘Correctional Industrial Parks.’

These will offer inmates skill development opportunities and income-generating activities, enabling them to support their families while in custody, he said.

Emphasising the pivotal role of prison guards, Adviser Jahangir Alam said their responsibility in maintaining discipline and treating inmates with humanity.

He described the basic training not just as professional preparation but also as a foundation for instilling honesty, patriotism and ethical values.

Pointing at the new recruits, he urged them to adopt in the spirit of anti-discrimination and remain committed to their duties with integrity and dedication.

He stressed the importance of a transparent and accountable prison administration, where Deputy Jail Superintendents act as key executives.

To improve prison security, the home adviser announced the deployment of advanced technologies including mobile jammers, separate internet systems, body scanners, luggage scanners and circuit detectors.

Besides, the government plans to introduce the Bangladesh Jail Medal to honour bravery and performance and has taken policy steps to provide lifelong rations to retired prison staff.

The event concluded with a parade inspection, oath-taking ceremony and awards distribution.

Inspector General of Prisons Brig. Genl Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain, Divisional Commissioner Khondkar Azim Ahmed, DIG of Rajshahi Range Mohammad Shahjahan, RMP Police Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufiyan, District Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar, Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam, and Commandant of Rajshahi Jail Training Center Mohammad Kamal Hossain, among others, were present at the event.

Deputy Superintendents Khadija Khatun Lima and DM Nusrat Al Islam received top honours from their batch. 

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Later, the Adviser visited Rajshahi Central Jail.