Kurigram Jail undergoes significant reforms since August 5

৷Sayed Babu, AA

After the fall of the fascist government on 5 August 2024, security in prisons across Bangladesh broke down. Kurigram District Jail also faced chaos, prompting the Bangladesh Army to come up with required intervention. Nine army personnel, working in four shifts alongside jail guards, restored order and addressed certain longstanding problems.

Shamim Mia, a visitor from Nageshwari, said: “Earlier, we had to wait long hours or couldn’t meet inmates at all. Now, those problems are gone.”

Shafiqul Islam from Rajarhat noted: “Previously, we had to pay bribes to visit inmates. Now we don’t have to bribe the jail authorities. Even the money we send to p.risoners reaches them fully, and the food quality has improved as well”

Captain Safayet Hossain, Kurigram Army Camp Commander, said: “After August 5, jails were left unguarded. Bangladesh Army ensured security and is currently addressing food quality, hygiene and working on retrieving discipline and smooth internal administration. We’re working round the clock to ensure public safety, law and order and to stop the entry of illegal drugs inside jail.”

Jail Superintendent A.G. Mahmud stated: “There were flaws and irregularities before August 5 last year but we’ve fixed them with support and cooperation from Bangladesh Army. They have been providing us valuable assistance with fortifying security and inspecting daily meals.”

Kurigram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nusrat Sultana said: “The administration is working with the Army to improve both security and service standards inside Kurigram Jail.”

With integrated efforts from all concerned, discipline has been restored inside Kurigram Jail and both prisoners and their family members are having better services from prison administrators