Munshiganj jail becomes country's first 'cashless prison'

In a major step toward modernising the country’s correctional system, Munshiganj District Jail has officially launched operations as country’s first fully cashless prison, introducing a technology-driven model aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and enhanced security.

The new system eliminates all cash transactions inside the prison and brings inmate financial management under a fully digital framework.

Prison authorities believe the initiative will significantly reduce opportunities for financial irregularities, fraud and unofficial transactions while strengthening overall prison administration.

Confirming the development on Sunday morning (June 21), Munshiganj District Jail Superintendent Mohammad Enayet Ullah said the facility has adopted an integrated digital management system centred on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

Under the new arrangement, inmates’ relatives can deposit money directly into designated virtual accounts instead of handing over cash. Prisoners will then be able to use RFID-enabled cards to purchase food, daily necessities and other approved items from the prison canteen. As a result, no cash will circulate between inmates, prison staff or service providers within the facility.

Authorities said RFID technology will also help monitor inmates’ movements, identify their exact locations when necessary and facilitate accurate ward-based headcounts, strengthening both security and operational efficiency.

All funds deposited for inmates will be routed through the banking system. If any balance remains in an inmate’s account upon release, the money will be returned instantly through digital channels, including mobile financial services such as bKash, Nagad or Rocket, or through bank transfers.

According to prison officials, the initiative was launched under the guidance of Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Motaher Hossain as part of a broader effort to transform prison management through technology. The project has received technical support from innovation firm Decode Lab and the Prisons ICT Cell.

Officials believe the cashless model will ensure complete transparency in financial transactions, protect inmates’ funds and help eliminate opportunities for corruption within the prison system.

Jail Superintendent Mohammad Enayet Ullah described the initiative as a milestone in building a more humane, accountable and modern correctional environment. He also indicated that the model could gradually be expanded to other prisons across the country if proven successful.