Khulna’s new central jail promises real change in care

Khulna New District Jail. Photo UNB

Khulna, Sept 8 - On the outskirts of Khulna, where the city meets the serene banks of the Bhairab River, a long-awaited transformation in the region’s penal system is nearing completion. 

The new Khulna Central Jail, a sprawling modern correctional complex, is expected to be handed over to prison authorities by October. 

The facility, which has been under construction for more than a decade, has now reached 95% completion, according to officials from the Public Works Department (PWD). 

Once operational, it will begin the gradual relocation of inmates from the century-old, overcrowded existing jail, a facility that has long been a concern for prison authorities, human rights activists and local residents alike. 

Constructed in 1912, the current Khulna Central Jail was designed to house 678 prisoners. Today, it holds over 1,400 inmates, far beyond its intended capacity, leading to inhumane conditions, safety hazards and administrative difficulties. 

“The old jail is no longer suitable for modern correctional needs. This new facility is not just an expansion…it’s a complete reimagining of what incarceration should look like in a modern society,” said Nasir Uddin Pradhan, Superintendent of the Khulna Jail.

The new prison complex, located on 30 acres along the Khulna City Bypass (Rupsha Bridge Road), will initially accommodate 2,000 inmates, with a future capacity of 4,000. Its 52 buildings, spread across a campus more reminiscent of a modern residential colony than a prison, include landscaped gardens, tiled walkways and brightly painted structures. 

Facilities That Reflect Reform 

Beyond increased capacity, the new jail introduces facilities aimed at rehabilitation, dignity and health. Separate units for under-trial and convicted prisoners, dedicated barracks for juvenile inmates, a women’s unit with its own hospital, work area and motivation centre, a 50-bed general hospital, a school for staff children, a library, dining hall, salon, and laundry are part of the design. 

Special wards and daycare facilities for female inmates with children, educational and recreational resources, separate prayer rooms, workspaces and cultural activity zones for men and women are also included.

“This is not just a prison. It’s a step toward a more humane and reformative correctional system,” said Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, President of the Greater Khulna Development Coordination Committee. “It addresses the long-standing issues of overcrowding, while also respecting the dignity of inmates.” 

Delays, Deadlines and Determination 

The project was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2011 with a budget of Tk 144 crore and was scheduled to be completed by June 2016. However, multiple deadline extensions and two budget revisions have pushed the cost to Tk 288 crore. 

The latest handover date was initially set for May 25, but construction delays from the contractor’s end forced a postponement. 

“We were supposed to take over the facility by the end of July,” said Jail Superintendent Nasir Uddin, adding, “We’ve requested PWD to ensure handover by October so we can begin transfers and resume operations.” 

PWD officials confirmed that final painting and interior finishing work are ongoing, while major structural components are complete. Advanced features such as a 5-kilometre internal boundary wall, solar power system, rainwater harvesting, and modern drainage and sanitation infrastructure are already in place. 

Currently, the old prison operates with around 200 staff, but officials say that number will not suffice for the larger, more complex new facility. A proposal to recruit 600 personnel has been submitted. 

“Recruitment will be done in phases. Operating this facility will require not just more staff, but trained personnel familiar with modern correctional practices,” said Nasir Uddin. 

Once handed over, jail authorities plan to transfer inmates in phases to ensure minimal disruption and maintain safety for all involved. - UNB