3,000 prisoners likely to be released this week
The home ministry has allowed the release of the prisoners to reduce crowding in jails
Considering the novel coronavirus situation, the authorities might release around 3,000 prisoners – including those who were jailed for bailable offences and were under trial – within this week.
According to the Department of Prisons, the respective prison authorities have sent a list of prisoners to be released to the home ministry so that crowding in jails can be reduced. After verifying the list, the home ministry has allowed releasing almost 3,000 prisoners.
Earlier on Saturday, 170 prisoners were released from different jails across the country, and 385 more will be released on Sunday.
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Confirming the matter, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General AKM Mostafa Kamal Pasha said, "To curb the spread of novel coronavirus in jails, we sent a list to the home ministry and we have gotten a reply from them."
He further said, after getting permission, the authorities began the procedure for releasing prisoners.
"Already some prisoners have been released. We hope that almost 3,000 prisoners will get released within this week," he added.
Mahbubur Islam, jailor of Dhaka central jail, said he had received a list of 10 prisoners, six of whom have already been released.
"We have started the procedure for releasing another four.
