Staff Correspondent:

The government has decided to free 37 prisoners serving life sentences or 30-year terms who have completed at least 20 years in prison, including remission, across various jails in the country.

An official order in this regard was issued by the Department of Prisons on Tuesday, citing “the decision is expected to be implemented within the next couple of days.”

It comes after the recommendations from district jail authorities to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Citing Section 569 of the Jail Code, the prison department stated that the remaining sentences of these 37 prisoners have been remitted, paving the way for their release. All of them have already served 20 years or more, taking remission into account.

Assistant Inspector General of Prisons Md Jannat Ul Forhad said, “Among those sentenced to life imprisonment or 30 years, the cases of prisoners who have completed more than 20 years with remission were judicially reviewed.

“Considering their age, conduct, and other factors — the government decided to remit their remaining sentences.”

According to this order, 37 inmates will now be released, he said, adding, “Some had 10 years left to serve, others seven or six–but all those remaining years have now been pardoned, allowing them to regain freedom.”