Breaking away from the shackles of British colonial laws, Bangladesh is on the verge of a historic transformation in its penal system. The government is in the final stages of enacting the “Custodial and Correctional Service Act, 2025,” a move that aims to replace century-old laws with a modern, rehabilitation-focused framework.
This new legislation will repeal the Prisons Act of 1894 and the Prisoners Act of 1900, which have governed the country’s jails for over 130 years. Under the proposed law, the term “Prison” will be replaced by “Correctional Service,” signaling a shift from punitive detention to a more humane approach centered on reform.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Law:
- Parole for Long-term Inmates: In a revolutionary change, life-term prisoners who have served at least 15 years and demonstrated good behavior will be eligible for parole. For other sentences, inmates can apply after completing half of their term.
- Home Detention & Reintegration: For the first time, eligible inmates may be allowed to serve the remainder of their sentences at home or in “open” environments under strict conditions, similar to systems in Scandinavia and the UK.
- Parole as Active Sentence: Unlike previous temporary releases for family emergencies, time spent on parole under the new law will be counted as part of the total sentence served.
- Formation of Parole Boards: Each prison will establish a Parole Board, chaired by an Additional Inspector General of Prisons, to evaluate an inmate’s mental state and conduct before recommending release.
A Modern Philosophy
Brigadier General Syed Md. Motaher Hossain, Inspector General of Prisons, told Gonotaar that the draft was shared online to gather public feedback. “We have received hundreds of suggestions, including valuable insights from a former IG of Prisons in India. We are reviewing every opinion and will soon submit the final draft to the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said.
The core philosophy of the reform is to “hate the crime, not the criminal.” While the colonial-era laws were designed to suppress revolutionaries and instill fear, the 2025 Act focuses on rehabilitation. The use of technology, such as electronic trackers, is also being considered to monitor paroled individuals, aligning with international standards.
Expert Caution
While the move has been widely welcomed, experts emphasize the need for transparency. Major (retd) Shamsul Haider Siddiqui, a former DIG of Prisons and prison specialist, noted that the initiative is a positive step toward modernization. However, he warned that the Parole Boards must remain free from political influence. “The boards must consist of skilled, legal, and neutral individuals to ensure the integrity of the process,” he added.
As Bangladesh moves toward this new chapter, the transformation of “lock-ups” into “correction centers” marks a significant milestone in the country’s judicial and human rights landscape.
