NCJ Number
183140
Date Published
2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This overview of the current state of corrections in Bangladesh examines the historical development of correctional institutions and the nature and functions of jails during the colonial period; describes the prison system; and discusses the problems of overcrowding, including various factors that have contributed to it.
Abstract
Bangladesh is located in Southern Asia and is nearly surrounded by Indian territory except for a small strip in the southeast; Bangladesh became an independent nation in 1971. Because Bangladesh was a British territory before its independence, the history of jails (term used for all correctional institutions in the country) in Bangladesh must be viewed from a colonial perspective. The punitive nature of jails was inherited from the British regime and has not changed over the past five decades. There is no legislative or policy intent that jails achieve anything but punishment. After describing types of jails, this paper discusses admission, housing, and classification of inmates; inmate visitation; jail programming; overcrowding problems; and alternatives for managing correctional populations. The introduction of community corrections programs appears to be the most realistic option for jail overcrowding, because it is more economical than new construction. Only the development of new, innovative, alternative approaches to crime control will free the society from the overuse of incarcerative sanctions. In order to implement the community-based sanctions suggested in this paper, an infrastructure of supervision and enforcement policies must be developed. Also, existing sentencing policy should be reviewed. 24 references