Prison reform has long been a neglected issue in Bangladesh, but recent surveys and reports show that it is needed now more than ever. Although some positive steps have been taken to reduce overcrowding, deep-rooted problems remain in the prison system, such as the lack of rehabilitation, long pre-trial detentions and human rights concerns. Effective justice cannot be ensured by punishment alone. In fact, rehabilitation, reintegration and humane treatment are more essential to prevent crime and ensure public safety.
From the past, Bangladesh's prisons were the most overcrowded in South Asia. According to World Prison Brief study of 2023, the official prisoner capacity in Bangladesh was about 42,000 prisoners, while the actual number of prisoners often exceeded 90,000.As of 2024-25, the prisoner capacity was 42,887, but the actual number of inmates stood at 53,831 according to the same study. Though the overcrowding of prisoners is lower compared to the statistics of 2023, it is still a concerning issue in Bangladesh. Overcrowding not only creates poor living conditions such as inadequate sanitation, health care, and nutrition but also exacerbates violence and mental health issues that sometimes lead to inmates committing suicide.
Criminological theories emphasize that only punishment cannot reduce reoffending. Rehabilitation, skills acquisition and psychological support are essential for reintegration into society. Bangladesh's prisons are still largely penal, not correctional. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked with prison authorities to modernize a "Correctional Model" that focuses on the dignity, reintegration and rehabilitation of prisoners.
Though this effort is still in its early stages and only includes a small number of prisoners.
In the absence of organized rehabilitation programmes, many prisoners leave prison and return to society without any skills or support systems, which increases the risk of re-offending. As the 'Labelling Theory' of criminology puts it, once stigmatized as "criminals" former prisoners face social exclusion and unemployment, throwing them back into the cycle of crime.
One of the most serious causes of prison overcrowding is the high number of pre-trial detainees. A large proportion of Bangladesh's prisons are still made up of under trial prisoners. Many end up in prison for years due to the slow judicial process and lack of legal aid.
A joint judicial reform project between Bangladesh and Germany has found that delayed in trials and weak legal protection are the main causes of human rights violations and overcrowding.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently stressed the need to expand non-custodial measures such as probation, community service and fines as alternatives to imprisonment. These measures will not only reduce overcrowding, but will also ensure access to justice and prosecution.
Prison conditions also raise serious human rights concerns. Studies have shown that suicide rates are rising, reflecting poor mental health care, overcrowding and neglect. Prisoners are often subjected to degrading treatment, which is directly contrary to Bangladesh's constitutional guarantees and international commitments under the Mandela Rules. Without urgent reform, prisons will remain a place of suffering rather than a place of correction.
Bangladesh needs to rethink its prison system from a criminological perspective, with a focus on reducing overcrowding and promoting justice. Expanding non-custodial options would help ease the pressure on prisons while ensuring fair trial opportunities.
At the same time, investing in rehabilitation programs such as technical training, education, and counseling can play a crucial role in reducing reoffending and preparing inmates for reintegration into society. Accelerating judicial reforms is equally important to avoid prolonged pre-trial detention, which often undermines justice. In addition, ensuring mental health support and protecting the dignity of prisoners are essential steps toward creating a more humane system. Finally, separating adolescents and other vulnerable groups within prisons is necessary to prevent exploitation and safeguard their well-being.
Bangladesh has taken some steps to deal with its prison crisis, especially in terms of reducing overcrowding. Yet prisons are still overcrowded, under-resourced and ill-equipped with correctional institutions. We have to keep in mind that justice means not only punishment, but also reform. Without a strong commitment to rehabilitation and non-custodial options, prisons will remain places that perpetuate crime rather than prevent it. Now is the time for coordinated prison reform in Bangladesh.
The writer is an LLB student at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)
