The government has rolled out plans to build the nation’s first Industrial Jail and an Open Jail, while also expanding six district prisons into central facilities and rebranding the entire correctional system, in a major push to reform the country’s overcrowded and outdated prison system.

Alongside these structural changes, the Department of Prisons has also proposed transforming the traditional term “jail” into “Correction Service Bangladesh”.
The move signals a shift not just in infrastructure, but in mindset – towards rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than mere punishment, according to stakeholders.
The proposals for both the new jails and the expansion projects have already been sent to the Home Ministry for approval, sources with the Department of Prisons told the Daily Sun.

Right now, Bangladesh’s 68 prisons are struggling far beyond their means. Built to house about 43,000 inmates, they are currently holding nearly twice that number. Overcrowding has made life inside even more difficult for prisoners and prison staff alike.

While many developed countries have introduced modern facilities and support programmes for inmates, Bangladesh’s prison system has largely remained stuck in older, more punitive models. This has prompted the Department of Prisons to rethink the system from the ground up.
“This is not just about space,” said an official involved in the development wing of the department. “It’s about dignity, safety, and giving people a fair shot at turning their lives around.”

 Industrial jail: A new model of work and rehabilitation
One of the most ambitious parts of this reform is the industrial jail, which will be built in Mirsharai, Chattogram, adjacent to the Export Processing Zone (EPZ). It is designed to house up to 15,000 inmates.

“We’ll be signing contracts with industries inside the EPZ,” said Jannat-Ul Forhad, assistant inspector general (development and media) at the Department of Prisons. “The inmates will work during the day and return to the facility in the evening. Their safety will be ensured, and no one will be able to escape.”
The key difference? Inmates will be paid for their work.

“They’ll be able to send money home, support their families. That financial independence gives them purpose,” Forhad explained.
Dr Tawohidul Haque, crime analyst and teacher at Dhaka University, called the initiative “a good step forward.”

“It gives prisoners a sense of contribution and dignity,” he said. “But security must be tight, or there’s always a risk of inmates fleeing.”
Shamsul Haider Siddiqui, former deputy inspector general, prisons, also hailed the initiative to establish an industrial prison.
“If it is built, it will be very beneficial for the inmates. However, the honesty and sincerity of the prison authorities and staff will be essential for its successful implementation,” he said.

While the idea of an open jail has been on the table for several years, the industrial jail proposal only gained traction after the fall of the autocratic Sheikh Hasina government, amid a mass uprising led by students.
Though initial discussions had started under the previous regime, concrete steps were not taken until after the political transition, according to officials.
Open jail: Freedom with responsibility
Meanwhile, the open jail will be built on 160 acres of land already acquired in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, taking inspiration from Malaysia’s Community Rehabilitation Programme (CRP).

This facility won’t have the usual high walls and locked cells. Instead, it will be surrounded by barbed wire fencing, with simple residential units for inmates. Only those nearing the end of their sentences will qualify to stay there, and they’ll be required to follow strict rules.
“If they stay there peacefully and follow the rules, their jail terms may be reduced,” said a spokesperson from the department. “There’ll also be opportunities to work and earn money inside the Open Jail.”

But not everyone is convinced the model will work seamlessly in the Bangladeshi context.
“It’s going to be tough,” warned Dr Tawohidul. “The idea is good, but implementation here will be a challenge.”
Six district jails to be upgraded
Alongside these new projects, the government is also planning to expand six district jails – Khulna, Kushtia, Faridpur, Bogura, Dinajpur, and Cox’s Bazar – and turn them into full-fledged central jails.
Each expansion is expected to cost around Tk400-500 crore and will increase the capacity of each facility by 2,000 inmates.
“These upgrades are critical,” said a senior official. “We need to ease the pressure across the board.”