Steps taken to eliminate militancy, says Sahara

10 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Bss, Jhenidah

Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun yesterday said the government has taken all out steps for eliminating militancy and terrorism from the country. Whoever involved with militancy and terrorism would not be spared, she told the inaugural function of newly constructed Jhenidah District Jail on the jail premises. Lawmakers Abdul Hai, Shafiqul Islam, Shafiqul Azam, Abdul Mannan, Nurjahan Begum, Deputy Commissioner Roma Rani Roy and Sadar Upazila Chairman Kanak Kanti Das spoke at the function with Inspector General of Prison (IG-Prison) Brig Gen (Retd) Ashraful Islam Khan in the chair. Sahara said the government is committed to implement the slogan of prison 'Rakhibo Nirapad, Dekhabo Alor Path'. Time-befitting programmes are being taken to return the prisoners to normal life, she added. Prison is an integral part of criminal justice system, the minister said, adding that the government has taken an initiative to set up a training centre with a view to providing proper training to the inmates of the prison. Sahara said the government has given 100 percent ration to the officials and employees of prison as well as risk allowance for the prison guards. She urged the prison officials and employees to carry out their responsibilities keeping themselves above corruption and irregularities for the development prison system. The home minister said the past BNP-Jamaat government had turned the region including Jhenidah into an area of terrorism. Normal atmosphere is prevailing in the region as the present government has taken necessary initiatives for improving law and order across the country, she added. Sahara said the government has taken steps to appoint 32,000 policemen for properly maintaining law and order in the country. The Jhenidah Jail has started its journey in 1918 with a capacity of 21 prisoners including six women. The Awami League government started construction of the prison involving Tk 19.72 crore in 1998. The construction of the prison was completed in April this year. Later, the minister attended a meeting of law and order committee at local circuit house. Local lawmakers and members of local administration, among others, were present at the meeting with Deputy Commissioner Roma Rani Roy in the chair.