Bangladesh Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal formally inaugurated the Garment factory today inside a prison facility which will at the same time offer an opportunity for the prisoners to earn and contribute to the state coffers.
Kamal said at the inaugural, “All the prisoners at different prisons of the country are provided with training for their reform and are given all kinds of facilities. Gradually, they will be provided with more facilities.”
The factory, named Resilience Garment Industry, is a knitwear production facility that started operations at Narayanganj District Jail with 57 machines. It is a state-owned entity that occupies a 5,000 sq. ft. space inside the 12-acre compound of Narayanganj District Jail. The revenue it generates will be split into three quarters – one will be as the wages for the workers, and the other two fractions divided between the jail and state coffer.
Selim Osman, President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) said, “The factory can deliver up to 1.5 million US Dollar per annum,” at the inaugural.
BKMEA president provided necessary assistance and financing to Narayanganj District Jail to make the project a reality. These types of initiatives have an emotional appeal and compel buyers to place orders. He, however, stressed the need for easy access to the prison factory for factory inspection and visit to expect delivery from it in full capacity.
According to Statistics, out of 2,150 prisoners in the prison about 300 prisoners will be working at the factory now, Subhash Das, the prison’s superintendent said.
– Apparel and Textile News, Apparel Talk, Indian Apparel
