Jessore Central Jail is situated at the center of Jessore Sadar Upazila of Khulna Division, Bangladesh, and it is one of the oldest and most important jails in the country. Aside from serving its main purpose as a jail, the place has been an important part of the history of Bangladesh which reflects the development of the country in the field of justice and rehabilitation.
Location and Accessibility
Jessore Central Jail, located in Pourashava of Jessore Sadar Upazila, is convenient for commuting by officials and visitors. Situated beside the Jail Road Jame Mosque and Jessore Commerce College, the establishment is a significant presence in the area.
Historical Significance
Jessore Central Jail has been a part of the long process of punishment in Bangladesh since the British imperial period. It has hosted some notorious events such as the 1996 jail uprising when clashes between inmates left several dead and dozens injured on both sides.
Also Read: Jessore Thana List
Infrastructure and Facilities
The jail also has several amenities to cater to the needs of its prisoners:
- Health Services: A jail hospital that provides medical care with doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. All medicines are provided free of charge and the patients are given meals as per their health requirement.
- Nutrition: Prisoners are served three meals per day, which includes food such as molasses and bread for breakfast and meat or fish and vegetables or pulses for lunch and supper. Prisoners that are 1st and 2nd class are treated to better food than regular prisoners.
- Recreational: Indoor and outdoor sports are provided for prisoners, as well as TV facilities in the barracks (to a limit)—to preserve their mental health.
- Library: There is a library in the jail that allows inmates to read and educate themselves while they are locked up.
Also Read: Jessore Police Line
Notable Incidents
- Executions: The prison has conducted capital punishments including the execution of two sentenced to death for the murder of a union parishad member in 2017.
- Security Breaches — In 2014, prison guards were found to have stashed bombs in the jail, for which disciplinary action was taken against those involved.
Communities and management
The police jail management is very transparent and relies on the community for its success. Operations are run under the supervision of senior officials, including the Senior Jail Superintendent, and there is strict adherence to national standards within the facility. The jail also has e-services, which they have enabled to facilitate prison communication and services between prisoners and their families.
These jails are also historical points of Bangladesh, like all the places where it has passed through the dark days of colonialism and the shadow of imperialism. This is what makes it a historic institution in the country, that has been committed to the welfare of the inmate.
