The limited cell space at Manikganj district jail results in prisoners being crowded on the floor, posing challenges for accessing bathing facilities and medical care. Photo: Messenger
Prisoners are currently enduring extreme suffering due to the incarceration of more than three times the capacity of Manikganj district jail.
In a facility designed for 240 prisoners, there are currently 649 inmates. This incident occurred at Manikganj District Jail, where the overcrowded conditions are causing various hardships, particularly in terms of accommodation.
According to sources within the district jail, located in the Narangai area of the Manikganj municipal area next to the Dhaka-Aricha highway, the facility consists of 10 male cells, 12 wards, 2 female cells, and 2 female wards. Additionally, the prison has 20 hospital beds. The intended capacity of the prison is 240, with 230 slots designated for men and 10 for women. However, on Wednesday, a total of 649 inmates were present, including 228 men and 421 women. Notably, among the prisoners, 60 are BNP leaders and activists arrested in a recently filed sabotage case.
Sources also indicate a manpower crisis within the jail. The prison hospital, for instance, has a vacant position for an Assistant Surgeon for an extended period. In cases where prisoners require medical treatment, the district headquarters hospital's doctor is summoned to provide necessary care. Furthermore, there are two vacant positions for diploma nurses in the prison hospital, with one currently filled. Similarly, one of the two deputy jailers' positions remains unfilled, and there has been a prolonged vacancy for the posts of prison assistant and prison teacher. A shortage of cleaners is also evident.
Relatives of some inmates have expressed concerns, stating that the expected services in the jail are unavailable due to overcrowding. The limited cell space forces prisoners to pile up on the floor, making it difficult for them to access bathing facilities and medical care.
Md. Jasim Uddin, a resident of Majlishpur village in Singair upazila, shared that his cousin, Awlad Hossain, has been arrested and is currently held in the jail. The overcrowded conditions are causing significant hardships for the inmates.
Contrary to the challenges highlighted, Jail Superintendent Rashid Akhand of Bajlur contends that there isn't a substantial problem despite the nearly threefold increase in the prisoner population. He asserts that efforts are being made to provide maximum services to the inmates.
The absence of adequate prison staff, including the prolonged vacancies for an Assistant Surgeon, diploma nurses, deputy jailers, prison assistants, and teachers, exacerbates the challenges faced by inmates. Relatives of those incarcerated report that the lack of essential services due to overcrowding is taking a toll on the well-being of prisoners.
The situation demands urgent attention from relevant authorities to address the staffing shortages, improve living conditions, and ensure the well-being and rights of the incarcerated population. A failure to address these issues could lead to severe consequences, both for the inmates and the credibility of the criminal justice system.
Messenger/Fameema