Bangladesh’s Home Adviser, retired Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has said that safeguarding human rights and ensuring security are inseparable elements of modern prison management, stressing that both must be upheld simultaneously within the correctional system.
Speaking on Tuesday as chief guest at the closing parade of the 63rd batch of women prison guards’ basic training course at the Prison Training Centre in Kashimpur, the adviser said the state bears a responsibility not only to detain offenders safely but also to protect their fundamental rights and prepare them for reintegration into society.
He said humane treatment, equal opportunity, non-discrimination and respect for social dignity within prisons were not merely legal requirements but reflected the moral strength and accountability of the state. According to the adviser, prison guards play a critical role in balancing security with compassion, ensuring that correctional facilities function as places of reform rather than punishment alone.
Describing prisons as sensitive and essential institutions within the criminal justice system, he said they contribute directly to crime prevention, offender rehabilitation and long-term public safety. He added that trained prison personnel were central to building a fair, transparent and accountable prison administration free from abuse and discrimination.
The adviser urged the newly qualified guards to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and efficiency, warning that corruption posed a serious threat to state institutions. He said corruption not only caused economic damage but also weakened governance structures and eroded public trust.
“Any official who acts out of personal interest, greed or political motivation undermines the foundations of the state,” he said, adding that prison staff, as public servants funded by taxpayers, must remain committed solely to public welfare.
Following his address, the Home Adviser inspected the parade and presented awards to outstanding trainees. The programme also featured physical drills and demonstration exercises performed by the graduating guards.
Among the trainees, Liza Khatun was recognised for excellence in drill, Mosha Raihana Akhter Subarna for physical training, Juthi Parveen for unarmed combat, and Mansura for firing. Mosha Raihana Akhter Subarna also achieved first place overall, including top performance in academic assessments.
The Home Ministry said the training programme aimed to strengthen professional standards among prison personnel, with a focus on discipline, human rights awareness and ethical conduct in prison service.
