The government has decided to rename Bangladesh Jail as ‘Correction Service Bangladesh’, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain said on Tuesday.

While speaking at a press conference at the prison headquarters, he highlighted the activities undertaken during his one year in office and outlined reforms and development initiatives in the prison system.

The IGP said a draft of the Correction Service Act 2025 has been finalised and placed for approval to make prison-related laws and regulations more time-befitting.

In response to widespread allegations of posting-related irregularities, the IGP said appointments to key positions are now being made based on merit and integrity. Two new central prisons and four district prisons have been opened to address overcrowding, while Dhaka division has been split into two for better coordination.

On inmate management, he said system of meeting with prisoners digitalised to reduce harassment. Artificial intelligence-based technology is being used, and visitors are being treated with respect during meetings.

A central prison hospital is being established in Keraniganj to provide quality healthcare to inmates as well as prison staff, he said.

Adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, the prison authorities have taken action against 29 officials and employees involved in consumption, transport, or supply of drugs, sending them to prison and initiating departmental measures, said the official.

A dope testing machine has been procured for this purpose, the official added.

MSK/