photo: Messenger
To address the distance from Khulna district headquarters, a sub-jail was constructed 40 years ago on 2.25 acres of land for Paikgacha and Koyra upzila. However, the facility has yet to become operational. As a result, the process of transporting convicted prisoners from Khulna to Paikgacha court continues, causing public inconvenience and administrative complications.
The jail's walled buildings and premises have been neglected for years. Although various government initiatives were taken to implement projects, none have materialized. Consequently, no revenue has been generated despite potential income opportunities.
According to sources, the distance from Khulna Sadar to Paikgacha is 65 kilometers, and to Koyra is 100 kilometers. Considering the importance of judicial proceedings in these two upzila, land was acquired in Batikhali Mouza, Paikgacha, on May 29, 1984, to construct the sub-jail. However, construction ceased after erecting the perimeter walls.
On May 10, 2003, the government decided to use the facility as a juvenile correction center under the Department of Social Services, and the department was given its responsibility in 2005. However, the project was never implemented.
In 2013, efforts were made to launch it under the Sheikh Rasel Training and Rehabilitation Center for Destitute Children project, but this initiative also failed. Despite multiple communications among government offices, no progress has been made in its implementation.
Meanwhile, three quarters and four large rooms built for the jail are being used rent-free by employees of the local judge's court and the Department of Social Services, resulting in the loss of significant government revenue.
Former Social Services Officer Sardar Ali Ahsan stated that his office has been overseeing the sub-jail since 2005. Current Social Services Officer Anath Kumar Biswas confirmed that the facility remains abandoned and is beyond repair. He mentioned that a proposal to convert it into a juvenile development center has been submitted, but no approval has been received.
Paikgacha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Sabjel Hossain remarked that reopening the jail would reduce the hassle of transporting prisoners for court proceedings.
Upzila Executive Officer Mahera Naznin stated that only 18 courts exist at the upzila level across the country, making Paikgacha-Koyra fortunate to have one. She added that while the sub-jail is currently overseen by the Social Services Office, reactivating it is now a pressing necessity.
Messenger/Sabuj/Tushar
