Key Highlights
- Around 75,000 prisoners in 73 prisons across the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr
- Three-time special meals for prisoners
- All prisoners, including divisional and VIP prisoners, will be included in this arrangement
- Increased opportunities to meet relatives on the occasion of Eid
- Eid congregations, cultural programs and sports events to be organized inside prisons
Around 75,000 prisoners in 73 prisons across the country will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this year. Even though they have to spend the day in a different environment away from their loved ones, the prison authorities have made special arrangements for them, which will help in spreading the joy of Eid among the prisoners to some extent.
Special meals for Eid
The Prisons Department has said that three-time special meals have been arranged for prisoners on the occasion of Eid.
- Morning: Payes or Semai and Muri
- Afternoon: Polao, beef or mutton, chicken roast, salad, sweets and betel nut
- Night: Rice, potato stew and fried fish
Jannat-ul Farhad, Assistant Inspector General (Development) of the Prisons Department, said,
“Every year on the occasion of Eid, special arrangements are made for prisoners. This year too is no exception.”
Status of Divisioned and VIP Prisoners
According to prison sources, there are currently 179 prisoners in the prisons who have received division or special privileges. Among them are—
- 34 ministers and state ministers of the ousted Awami League government
- 42 members of parliament
- 98 high-ranking government officials
In addition, there are some other VIP prisoners who have not received divisions. All will be covered by the special Eid meal.
Read more: ‘Mehndi Festival’ for underprivileged children from Panchagarh’s station area
Increased opportunities for meetings and communication
The opportunity for relatives to meet prisoners on the occasion of Eid has also been increased. Although they usually meet every 15 days, relatives will be able to meet once a day for three days of Eid (March 21 to 23).
During this time, there will be an opportunity to provide home-cooked food once, which will be delivered to the prisoners after testing. In addition, a prisoner will have the opportunity to talk to relatives on the phone for a maximum of five minutes.
Eid congregation and entertainment arrangements
Eid congregation will be held inside the prison. In addition, cultural programs and sports events have been organized in some prisons in the afternoon and evening. The Prisons Department has allowed these arrangements subject to ensuring security.
Normal meal arrangements
The meal list prescribed for prisoners during normal times is—
- Breakfast: Bread, Halwa and Egg
- Lunch: Rice, Dal and Vegetables
- Dinner: Rice, Dal, Fish or Meat
However, prisoners in division receive food according to their choice.
Source: Ekhon TV
