Bangladesh is moving toward a comprehensive transformation of its penal system into a modern, humane, transparent and technology-driven institution, with plans underway to rename the national jail service as 'Custodial and Correctional Service Bangladesh', Inspector General (IG) of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain said on Tuesday.

Outlining a series of administrative and infrastructural reforms undertaken over the past two years during a press conference at the Department of Prisons, the prisons chief stated, “An initiative has already been taken to turn Bangladesh Jail into Custodial and Correctional Service Bangladesh.”

He explained that the rebranding signifies a fundamental shift in penal management philosophy, transitioning away from viewing prisons merely as detention centers toward establishing them as hubs for security, rehabilitation, technical training, human dignity, and successful social reintegration.

“Policy-level work on the proposed new name is currently underway, while steps have also been taken to modernise prison laws and regulations in line with contemporary requirements,” he said.

Detailing key transparency and structural upgrades, the IG noted that Munshiganj District Jail has been converted into a cashless facility, while administrative setups across headquarters and divisional tiers have been reorganized to streamline efficiency.

To address systemic personnel shortages, the government has sanctioned 1,899 new positions, with an additional request submitted for 1,500 further posts.

Recruitment protocols are being restructured to be transparent, merit-based, competitive and tech-enabled, alongside administrative measures to clear long-standing promotion backlogs and enhance career progression.

In an effort to alleviate severe prison overcrowding, two central facilities and four district-level prisons have recently been commissioned into full operation.

“Technology is also playing an increasingly important role. Prisons across the country have been connected through the Prison Directorate’s own fibre-optic network, while inmate telephone calls and visitation systems have been brought under digital management. Authorities are also exploring the use of AI-based technology for monitoring and prison management,” the IG prisons said.

Beyond technological integration, authorities are scaling up rehabilitation, vocational training, and inmate development initiatives. Programs covering sports, cultural events, religious education, and personal counseling have been instituted to foster inmate mental health.

Additionally, specialized video-calling services are now accessible at designated facilities, such as Narayanganj District Jail, allowing prisoners to maintain regular ties with their families.

Healthcare infrastructure within the penal system is also receiving a major boost. Development is currently underway for a Central Prison Hospital in Keraniganj.

Furthermore, formal recommendations have been submitted for appointing 55 diploma-holding nurses, and 77 new ambulances were recently inducted into the department's transport fleet.

Environmental sustainability measures have also been integrated into the reform agenda.

The department is implementing systematic waste collection, segregation, processing, and recycling protocols. As part of greening initiatives, approximately 18,000 trees have been planted across Sylhet-1, Kishoreganj-1, and Khulna New Jails.

Bangladesh currently operates 75 prisons, of which 21 facilities require renovation, according to data provided by the IG prisons.