Sahid Joy, Jashore Correspondent
Protests and vandalism have taken place again at Jessore Child Development Center (Boys). One policeman and several prisoners were injured in the incident. After the incident, the administration intervened and detained the detainees at around 1 am on Saturday. In the presence of the Dy Commissioner, Additional District Magistrate, the prisoners raised their concerns. The prisoners calmed down when they were assured of a solution to their problems.

Dy Commissioner Tamizul Islam Khan said the center, which has a capacity of 150 people, has 250 inmates. They have dissatisfaction with several demands. The prisoners started protesting around 10:30 pm on Saturday. At one point they carried out extensive vandalism of the center. Law enforcement as well as district administration officials went there. I went myself. I listened to them. Promised to solve the problem. After three hours it was possible to calm the agitated prisoners.

He added that an inquiry committee will be formed to look into the matter.Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate KaziSayemuzzaman said prisoners were not allowed out of the center during the Covid-19 lockdown. That is why they are angry. There are complaints about the quality of food. There is also the problem of potable water. Prisoners have protested for several such demands. The situation has been calmed down by negotiations.

Zakir Hossain, assistant director of the center, told reporters that for several days, a demand for keepingBDT 72 per day for food for each prisoner was voiced. Demonstrations began among the prisoners on Saturday night based on those demands. ANSAR members of the center later launched a campaign to stop the protests. Hundreds of members of Jessore district police launched an operation to bring the situation under control.

He further said that some prisoners were injured in the incident and he was sent to Jessore General Hospital. Besides, a DB SI named Mofizul Islam was also injured. Meanwhile, a large number of police led by several officers were deployed at the spot.

It may be mentioned that on 13 August 2020, three youth were killed and 15 others were injured in the Jessore Child Development Center. Although the committee has been formed more than once, the recommendations of the committee have not been implemented. As a result, such unpleasant incidents happen again and again in the center, the concerned people said.