A recent raid on a jail in Jashore for drug trafficking exposes a deeply troubling reality: Bangladeshi prisons themselves have become breeding grounds for the illegal drug trade.
This isn’t a one-off incident. Guards, entrusted with maintaining order and rehabilitation, are actively participating in smuggling and selling narcotics within prison walls.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Overcrowded facilities, with a population double their capacity, create a desperate environment.
A third of inmates are drug-related offenders, fueling a demand met by a shocking network of corrupt guards.
These insiders not only smuggle drugs in, but also partner with inmates to distribute them, profiting from addiction even behind bars.
The cost of this illicit trade is staggering. Prices for marijuana and yaba pills have skyrocketed within prison walls.
Inmates forced to cope with withdrawal or cravings become easy targets, further fueling the cycle of addiction.
The health consequences are dire, with a former jail doctor reporting a surge in drug-related illness among inmates.
The authorities claim a “zero-tolerance” policy, and point to disciplinary actions taken against rogue guards.
However, the pervasiveness of the problem suggests these efforts are failing.
Innovative smuggling techniques and collusion with residents near jail boundaries expose weaknesses in security protocols.
So how do we break this cycle? Tawohidul Haque, an expert, proposes a multi-pronged approach: stronger surveillance with CCTV cameras, random searches, and stricter monitoring of officials.
Additionally, increased security outside jail walls, in cooperation with local law enforcement, is crucial.
This is not just a security issue; it’s a public health crisis. Drug addiction thrives in desperation, and Bangladeshi jails are becoming incubators for this disease.
We must act decisively to dismantle this network of corruption, prioritise rehabilitation over profit, and ensure that prisons truly serve as institutions of reform, not relapse.
