HC directives to stop drugs inside jails

The High Court (HC) has issued an eight-point directive on security of prisons and inmates, and ordered the authorities to take appropriate measures to stop the supply of all kinds of drugs inside the jail.

At the same time, the court asked the prison authorities to search the visitors stringently upon their arrival to meet the prisoners.

On Sunday, the full verdict of an earlier HC order over the absence of deputy jailer's signature on the vakalatnama of an accused was published.

In the full verdict, the HC also ordered the accused to surrender before the court within four weeks as he was released on bail.

In that case, lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan represented the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) while Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin moved for the state. The ACC lawyer gave the written order to the press Sunday.

According to the directives, the inspector general of prisons, jailers and deputy jailers will have to update the records of a prisoner or convict including the name, address, case number, section of the case, in which court the case is with or which court delivered the verdict.

According to the HC, the prison authorities will have to keep records of the date of arrival and release of an accused or convict.

The HC also said the prison authorities or prison officials will have to sign or seal the vakalatnama after verifying it closely.

The court said that the prison official will have to mention his or her full name and contract number next to the sign on the vakalatnama.

The HC asked the prison authorities to take appropriate measures so that no indecent and untoward situation emerges. Besides, the prison authorities has been told to be more alert and vigilant to maintain peace and security inside the jails.

HC in the directives noted, "The prison authorities must take appropriate steps and measures to stop the supply of all kinds of contraband drugs inside the jail."

According to the court order, visitors who come to meet the prisoners must go through a detailed search. If any visitor is found carrying drug or anything illegal, prison authorities must legal action against the visitor.

In the last point of the directive, the HC says prison authorities will have to fully comply with the Prisons Act, 1894 and the Prisoners Act, 1900. 

The court said reports on the implementation of the judgment will have to be submitted to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court every three months.

The order has been sent to the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, senior secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs, inspector general of police, director general of RAB, inspector general of prisons, all jailer and deputy jailers to take necessary steps to comply with the order.