THE jail authority has decided to allow the prisoners to talk to their family members over phone. I think this is a very good initiative on the part of the jail authority as it will decrease illegal business of some prison officials who take bribes in exchange for allowing the prisoners to use the phone facility. Considering all pros and cons, the prisoners who are under trial should get a chance to talk to their family members.
The system was introduced in our neighbouring countries like India and Sri Lanka a couple of years ago. Both these countries are in the process of expanding the system from one jail to another. As it is, prisoners in developing countries like that of ours suffer from lack of many facilities. To subject them to seclusion from the family members will not help prisoners and as well as the jail authorities. We should stop all kinds of illegal business going on inside the prison and help them have a normal life.
It can also be a good source of income for prisons. In the USA, Inmate Calling Service (ICS) or inmate telephone system describes the integrated telecommunications systems designed for use in correctional facilities. By 2015, in the United States, ICS had become a $1.2 billion telecommunications industry. It may not be possible for us do so in our country, but it can definitely go a long way to help prisoners correct themselves in course of time.
Hannan
Bonosree, Dhaka
