Khulna Central Jail is nearing completion. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 22, 2025 (BSS) - Construction of the new Khulna Central Jail is nearing completion, with 95 percent of the work already done, officials said, adding that efforts are underway to hand over the facility to the prison authorities by October.

The long-delayed project, undertaken to replace the century-old and overcrowded existing jail, is expected to significantly improve living conditions for inmates and working conditions for staff through modern infrastructure and expanded capacity.

According to the Khulna Public Works Division (PWD), the remaining finishing works are progressing at a steady pace. During a recent visit to the construction site, Khulna Jail Superintendent Nasir Uddin Pradhan and Jailer Md Munir Hossain instructed the contractor to expedite the completion.

Speaking to BSS, Jail Superintendent Nasir Uddin Pradhan expressed disappointment over the delays. "We had initially planned to take over the facility by the last week of July, but the PWD failed to meet the deadline. Once the handover is done and staffing is in place, we will begin relocating inmates," he said.

He added, "We have requested the authorities concerned to ensure the facility is handed over by October."

PWD Sub-Divisional Engineer Rashedul Islam acknowledged the delay, saying the initial handover date was set for May 25. "Construction could not be completed in time due to issues with the contractor. However, we are making all-out efforts to finish the work by the end of August or September," he said.

The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in 2011 with an initial budget of Tk 144 crore and a completion target of June 2016. Following multiple deadline extensions and two budget revisions, the project cost now stands at Tk 288 crore.

The existing Khulna jail, constructed in 1912 on the banks of the Bhairab River, was originally designed to accommodate 678 inmates but currently houses more than 1,400. The aging structure has been deemed inadequate for ensuring safety and proper management.

The new jail complex, situated along the Khulna City Bypass (Rupsha Bridge Road), spans 30 acres. While designed to house 4,000 inmates, the current infrastructure allows for accommodation of 2,000. Officials said additional buildings could be constructed in future phases.

During a site visit, this correspondent observed that the new complex resembles a modern residential area, featuring tiled walkways, landscaped gardens, and freshly painted buildings. The total number of structures stands at 52.

Key features include separate units for under-trial and convicted prisoners, special barracks for juveniles, and a women's section equipped with a hospital, work sheds, and a motivation center. The facility also houses a 50-bed general hospital, a school for children of prison staff, a library, dining halls, a salon, and laundry services.

There is a dedicated ward and day-care center for female inmates with children, offering education and recreation. Both male and female prisoners will have access to separate prayer spaces, work areas, and cultural activity zones.

PWD Executive Engineer Md Asaduzzaman said the main structural work is complete and the remaining tasks involve final painting and interior finishing. He also mentioned that nearly 5 kilometers of internal boundary walls have been constructed, and the complex is equipped with drainage systems, solar power, rainwater harvesting, and a modern sewage treatment plant.

Superintendent Pradhan said 600 staff have been requested for the new jail, whereas around 200 are currently deployed at the old facility. Once operational, the jail will begin functioning in phases.

Welcoming the near-completion of the project, Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC) President Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman said, "The existing jail is severely overcrowded and lacks basic facilities. This new complex reflects our long-standing demand for a modern correctional institution that upholds both security and human dignity."