Rajshahi, MAY 28 (V7N) – Home Affairs Advisor Brigadier General (retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced on Tuesday that prison guards, along with other retired members of various organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will soon receive lifetime rations as part of a new government policy decision. This announcement came during the closing parade of the 14th batch of new recruits, Deputy Jailers, and the 62nd batch of Prison Guards and Women Prison Guards training courses at the Prison Training Center in Rajshahi.

A total of 18 new deputy district magistrates and 508 new prison guards and female prison guards participated in the parade, where the Home Affairs Advisor distributed awards and rank badges.

Responding to journalists' questions following the event, Brigadier General Chowdhury addressed several key issues. Regarding border security, he firmly stated, "There is no security deficit at the border. Our forces are fully capable and ready to deal with any situation." He acknowledged an increase in "pushback incidents" at the border recently, confirming that Bangladesh has protested these actions and requested Indian authorities to repatriate Bangladeshis through proper channels. "We are ready to accept them as our citizens if proper channels are used," he added, indicating that this issue has been raised in high-level meetings.

On the overall security situation within the country, the Home Affairs Advisor noted that neighboring countries sometimes "take advantage of the increased trend of theft, robbery, and snatching in the country by exaggerating the reports." He assured that special operations by law enforcement agencies have not been relaxed and are continuing, with maximum security arrangements being strengthened in anticipation of Eid.

Brigadier General Chowdhury also elaborated on the government's commitment to developing the nation's prisons into correctional facilities. He informed the new recruits that "prisons are being developed as correction centers as part of the interim government's reform program." He further emphasized the interim government's efforts to elevate the prison system to an international standard and implement modern security measures for prisoner safety.

Highlighting the upcoming benefits for prison staff, he stated that a policy decision has been taken to introduce "jail grades" in recognition of the bravery of prison guards, which will be implemented "very soon."

The event was also attended by Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Mohammad Syed Motaher Hossain, Rajshahi Division DIG (Prisons) Kamal Hossain, and other senior institutional officials.

END/RAR/RH/