United News of Bangladesh

Nearly four decades have passed since the construction of Mohammadpur sub-jail in Magura district, yet the facility has never housed a single inmate. Built with the vision of decentralising judicial and correctional services, the complex today stands as a silent monument to bureaucratic inertia and policy neglect, officials said. Located in Bauijani village under Mohammadpur upazila, the sub-jail was constructed in 1985 during the regime of military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad. It was part of a wider plan to establish courts and detention facilities at upazila level, aimed at easing the burden on district jails and expediting the judicial process. The project, however, was abruptly shelved following a change in government, and the sub-jail was never inaugurated. Its gates have remained locked ever since before it could even begin operation, according to the officials. Spread over 2.71 acres of land, the complex was designed to accommodate 20 male and five female inmates. Khulna new jail opens with 100 convicted prisoners The site includes separate cells for men and women, an administrative office, a kitchen, guard quarters, a pump house, and residential quarters for officers. But time and neglect have taken their toll. A recent visit revealed a picture of decay: walls with peeling plaster, corroded ironwork, and doors and windows missing from their frames. What was once envisioned as a secure correctional facility now stands in ruins, overrun by weeds and disrepair. Prashanta Kumar, an employee of the Upazila Social Services Office, lives in one of the officer quarters with his family and has been informally maintaining the abandoned premises. “Despite the risks, I stay here and try to take care of the property,” he said, pointing to the crumbling buildings around him. Locals have long voiced frustration over the wasted infrastructure, calling it an example of mismanagement and poor utilisation of public resources. Many urge the government to either revive the sub-jail or repurpose it for public welfare. Upazila Social Services Officer Md Abdur Rob confirmed that the site now falls under the jurisdiction of his department but lamented the lack of funds and manpower needed for renovation. “With proper support, it could be turned into a training or rehabilitation centre for the poor, orphans, and persons with disabilities,” he suggested. Govt declares building in Dhaka Cantonment as temporary jail District Social Services Officer Md Zakir Hossain echoed the idea, saying a proposal has already been made to convert the premises into an integrated child rehabilitation centre. According to the Department of Social Services, the Mohammadpur sub-jail is not an isolated case. There are 23 such sub-jails across Bangladesh—none of which are functional. All remain caught in the limbo of policy stagnation, their walls quietly crumbling as years go by. Once envisioned as a cornerstone of local justice and correctional efficiency, the Mohammadpur sub-jail now serves as a reminder of unfulfilled promises and the high cost of administrative neglect.

Although profit is the main reason for setting up a business, business management should not only focus on individual gains but also consider the welfare of the public. Speakers said this at a seminar titled “Importance of Business Ethics: Perspective Bangladesh,” held on Sunday at the seminar hall of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in the capital. The seminar was jointly organized by Ethics Education for Sustainable Development (E2SD) and the School of Business, AUST, said a press release. Read: Banglalink to observe 'Ethics and Compliance Week 2022' They said that there are instances of profit manipulation that deviate from ethical standards. Examples include practices such as giving less weight, food adulteration, selling rotten or expired food, and mixing harmful chemicals in fruits and vegetables. These unethical profit-seeking activities have had a significant negative impact on people’s lives, added the release. The speakers emphasized the importance of conducting business in accordance with ethical standards. They stressed that business management should not only focus on individual gains but also consider the welfare of the public. If business organizations’ managers operate with these considerations in mind, the entire nation will benefit, ensuring sustainable development. Similarly, the workforce, inspired by ethical standards, will strive to adhere to them, avoiding the problems caused by unethical business practices. Read: Nagad-DRU Reporting Award: Speaker Shirin for maintaining professional ethics Presided over by Kazi Rafiqul Alam, president of DAM, SWAN Group Chairman Khabeer Uddin Khan graced the event as the chief guest. It is worth noting that E2SD of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and the North American Islamic Community (NABIC) are jointly working towards establishing a peaceful society by promoting ethics and values.  

President Abdul Hamid on Saturday asked the public representatives to work with more sincerity for ensuring public welfare. "If you ( public representatives) do not take any stance against the wrongdoings in your respective areas,it will hamper your popularity. So you have to work more for ensuring public welfare," he said. He made the remarks in a views-exchange programme with notable political, cultural persons and local administration officials in the upazila’s President Abdul Hamid Auditorium in the evening. Hamid also urged the concerned to increase local investment to use development opportunities at the local level. Read: President Hamid on a tour of his village and home district Kishoreganj "Facilities including infrastructure should be ensured for the investors to use development opportunities," he said. The President also asked the people to be more careful for protecting and implementing the development projects. Saying the communication system is one of tools for development, Hamid said once haor areas were neglected for the poor communication system, but now there is a lot of discussion about the development of haor areas. The vast expanse of water, which has turned into a hotspot for the enthusiasts, mainly the young, to spend quality time with friends and family members, has now been witnessing huge non-biodegradable waste thanks to lack of awareness among the visitors. Hamid called upon all to protect the natural environment too. Read: Humayun Rasheed Choudhury’s role in protecting Bangabandhu’s daughters unforgettable: President Earlier, he visited his dream project, the all-weather road from Itna-Mithamoin-Austragram, for the first time since its inauguration. He visited the road from Mithamain to Austagram today, stopping in different areas of the road. President Hamid also visited the progress of the President Abdul Hamid Foundation in Mithamoin. Alongside, the President also visited the development works of Austragram Upazila on the second day of the tour.