Separate Prison for Rohingyas!
Graphics: Agamir Somoy Generated by AI
According to a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), around 1.2 million Rohingyas displaced from Myanmar are currently living in Bangladesh, while unofficial estimates put the figure at nearly 1.5 million. Law enforcement agencies say many Rohingyas have become involved in crimes such as drug trafficking and smuggling, leading to regular arrests. Authorities claim that interaction between Rohingya and Bangladeshi inmates in prisons is contributing to rising criminal tendencies among local prisoners and creating broader social concerns.
In response to this situation, prison authorities have proposed building a separate prison for Rohingya inmates in Cox’s Bazar. On May 19, the office of the Chattogram Divisional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons sent a summary proposal to the Inspector General (IG) of Prisons in Dhaka. After review, the proposal will be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Policymakers have reportedly already given policy-level approval.
The 109 year old Cox’s Bazar District Jail, spread over 12.86 acres, expanded its infrastructure in 2011, increasing its capacity to 400 inmates. However, prison officials say it currently houses an average of 2,500 to 3,000 inmates, nearly half of whom are Rohingyas. Most are allegedly involved in crimes such as drug trafficking across the border, smuggling, internal violent conflicts, and murder.
Chattogram Divisional DIG (Prisons) Mohammad Chhagir Mia said, “There are significant social differences between Rohingya and Bangladeshi inmates, yet they are kept in the same cells. Close relationships develop between them, and criminal behavior tends to spread from one group to another.” He also emphasized the urgent need for at least three additional prisons besides the separate Rohingya facility.
The proposal also introduces, for the first time, the idea of establishing three more specialized prisons based on the nature of crimes: one for drug offenders, one for juvenile offenders, and one for inmates from metropolitan areas.
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, said that on average around 1,000 Rohingyas are currently imprisoned for various offenses.
Among Rohingyas living in 33 camps in Cox’s Bazar, some have been accused of involvement in drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, human trafficking, arms dealing, document forgery, and activities linked to armed groups. Violent incidents involving groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), and Islamic Mahaj are frequently discussed.
According to Additional DIG of the 14 Armed Police Battalion, Mohammad Siraj Amin, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, and financial incentives contribute to criminal tendencies among some Rohingyas.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has agreed to construct a second prison in Chattogram. During a visit to Jangal Salimpur on May 31, he said land had already been allocated for the facility.
The prison department’s proposal also highlights the need for seven sub-jails in isolated areas such as Hatiya, Sandwip, Patiya, Banshkhali, Chakaria, Maheshkhali, and Lama.
Authorities say overcrowding has made prison management increasingly difficult. The Chattogram Division has 12 prisons with a total capacity of 7,775 inmates, yet the actual prison population averages between 16,000 and 20,000.
Officials say prisons are now dominated by four categories of inmates: drug offenders, women and child abuse suspects, juvenile offenders, and political detainees. Around 35% of inmates are held under drug-related charges. Prison officials argue that colonial-era prison laws are no longer adequate for managing modern crime patterns and that separate prisons based on crime categories are now essential.
Police officials have welcomed the proposal, arguing that separating inmates according to crime type could reduce criminal networking and social disorder, as prisons are sometimes used to coordinate criminal activities.
The 141 year old Chattogram Central Jail, established in 1885 near Lal Dighi, has a current capacity of 1,853 inmates but reportedly houses between 5,500 and 6,000 prisoners on average. Overcrowding has reportedly led to health problems among inmates and reduced opportunities for rehabilitation, recreation, and vocational activities.
A proposal to build a new prison in Chattogram was first submitted in 2017 and approved in 2019. After difficulties in finding land in southern Chattogram, the project was finalized in Jangal Salimpur, a once crime-prone area in Sitakunda, where around 70 acres of government land have now been allocated.
According to prison officials, inmates from metropolitan cases will be transferred to the new facility once construction is completed.
