The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

British prison experts from the London-based International Centre for Prison Studies on Tuesday shared their expertise with Bangladesh jail officials on prison management under a British High Commission sponsored training programme.

British prison experts Robert Allen and Andrew Barclay, held a day-long training programme with Bangladeshi prison officers on the development of prison management techniques and procedures, the British high commission said in astatement.

It said the training was just one element of their 7-day visit programme that include a series of discussions with prison officers, representatives of civil society, law students, lawyers and senior members of the judiciary.

The statement said the programme was aimed at exploring possible solutions to problems that affect prisons world wide, such as alternatives to prison sentencing, prison management, and overcrowding.

"Improving criminal justice systems in Bangladesh, including through police reform and alternative dispute resolution, is a priority for the UK because better access to justice is important both to development and the protection of human rights," British High Commissioner in Dhaka Stephen Evans said at the opening of the discussion.

"It is an opportunity for Bangladesh to discuss its needs in this area and whether the UK, and others, can potentially provide further assistance in future," he added.