Central jail to be shifted to Keraniganj by June: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said this while inaugurating 'Kara Saptaha-2014' (prison week-2014) at Kashimpur Prison Campus Parade Field here today.

Sheikh Hasina said her government is running the jail administration with the principle - 'Hate the Sin not the Sinner'. So the government is implementing massive programmes for improvement of jail atmosphere.

In the ancient age, she said, the concept of prison came to award punishment to the offenders. But, in the civilized world the prisons are used as centres of correction and rehabilitation.

Congratulating the prison officials and employees marking the Kara Week the Prime Minister said the week is being observed after a span of seven years. She hoped that the observance of the day will enhance working spirit among the prison workers and ensure disciplined and safe custody of the prisoners.

She said jail keepers play important role in maintaining law and order in the society through keeping the convicted and accused persons safe and secured in jail.

The prime minister said the security system of the prisons would be modernized so that militants and top terrorists cannot conduct their activities from the jail.

At the same time she warned that stern action will be taken against the persons who will assist the militants, terrorists or drug traders.

The Prime Minister said the Awami League government after taking office in 1996, had taken projects for construction of 36 prisons in the country including its headquarters.

The prisoners and entire jail administration are now enjoying its benefit, she said adding steps were taken for safe drinking water and hygiene atmosphere.

State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan and IG Prison Brigadier General Syed Iftekhar Uddin received the Prime Minister as she arrived at the parade ground. PM inaugurated the Jail Week through releasing pigeons and balloons.

Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque, PM's advisors, parliament members and senior government officials were present.

Marking the occasion an attractive parade and march-past of different contingent of jail keepers were arranged. The Prime Minister inspected the parade and took salute.

The prime minister said her government after taking office in 2009, has established 'Kara Smriti Jadughar' at Dhaka Central Jail in memories of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders, including the museum as a branch of the National Museum.

She said the two museums will be opened for public after relocation of the central jail so that people can know about the jail life of the great national leaders.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government has started relocation of 100 years old dilapidated Khulna District Jail and Sylhet Central Jail for widening their spaces. New prisons were already inaugurated in Brahamanbaria, Jhenaidah, Chandpur, Meherpur, Gopalganj, Natore, Nilphamari and Netrokona districts while construction of new jails in Dinajpur, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Feni, Madaripur and Pirozpur are going on.

Renovation work of Chittagong Central Jail has been completed and new perimeter of Dhaka Central Jail was constructed, she added.

The prime minister said the government has undertaken various projects for enhancement of the efficiency of the jail authorities. Side by side, she said the government has adopted different programmes to help the prisoners to rehabilitate after ending their jail life.

Sheikh Hasina said the inmates of jails are being provided vocational training for their self-employment and manufacture various products having demands at home and abroad.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has a plan to construct a multi-storied convention centre and its income will be utilized for welfare of the jail staffs. "A training institute will also be established for jail officials and employees," she said.

The prime minister said every jail keeper is engaged in a noble profession of resurrection of the detainees. So there is immense scope for jail keepers to be involved in public service activities.

"You have to work for bringing the jail inmates under a disciplined order. Attention should be given to the prisoners so that none of them come out from jail being a bigger criminal," she said all prisoners should be seen as a member of the society instead of a prisoner.

Later, the Prime Minister attended a Special Darbar of Jail Keepers where she assured them to resolve their demands step by step. She said the government actively considering giving 'Taja Rasad Bhata' (cash allowance for purchasing fresh food like fish, meat, vegetable and fruits) to the jail keepers.

The prime minister also announced introducing 'gallantry award' for the jail keepers for their outstanding work and courageous activities during their service. She said the existing manpower of the jail authorities would be strengthened and steps would be taken for safe housing facilities of the jail keepers.