HC seeks report on children living with mothers in prisons

The High Court has ordered the prison authorities to submit a report detailing the number and ages of children living with their incarcerated mothers in jails across the country.

The Inspector General of Prisons has been directed to file the report within the next two months.

The order was passed by a High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice Md Ziaul Haque on Monday, June 15, following a preliminary hearing on a writ petition filed by a Supreme Court lawyer.

Advocate Kamrun Nahar Mahmud Deepa appeared for the petitioner, while Deputy Attorney General Md Faruk Hossain represented the state.

The court also issued a rule asking why directives should not be given to ensure the welfare, security, and improvement of living standards for children living with their mothers in prisons.

The secretaries of the home ministry, law ministry and social welfare ministry, along with the Inspector General of Prisons, have been asked to respond to the rule.

The writ was filed on June 9, attaching a report titled 'Endangered Childhood in Prisons' published in a national daily.