Around 82,000 inmates celebrated Eid-ul-Azha in a festive atmosphere across 74 prisons in Bangladesh on Thursday, with authorities arranging special meals, cultural programmes and additional family meeting opportunities.
Eid congregations were held in prisons across the country at 8am, followed by greetings among inmates and the distribution of payesh and puffed rice.
For lunch, prisoners were served polao, roast, beef, mutton, chamcham, soft drinks, salad and betel leaves. Dinner included rice, fried rui fish and potato curry.
The Prison Department also arranged special facilities for visitors, including free juice, chocolates and chips for children. Inmates were allowed extra opportunities to meet and speak with family members during the Eid holidays.
At Keraniganj Central Jail in Dhaka, prisoners received clothes and essential items sent by relatives in line with prison rules. Authorities said elderly and sick inmates were provided with regular medicines and medical support.
Former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, now a state witness in a crimes against humanity case, also joined the Eid congregation under special security arrangements.
Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Md Jannat-ul Farhad said cultural programmes and sports events had been organised in different prisons to mark Eid. Friendly football matches will be held on the second day of Eid, followed by cricket matches on the third day.
Prisoners will also be allowed to receive food from family members over the next three days and enjoy additional meeting and phone call privileges during the holiday period.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
