Dhaka, Aug. 18 -- The Prisons Department is shifting its focus from punishment to correction and rehabilitation of inmates, with initiatives being taken to equip prisoners with skills, create work opportunities and help them reconnect with their families, Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md Motahar Hossain said on Tuesday.

"Prisons should not be seen merely as places of punishment. We are putting greater emphasis on correction and rehabilitation," he said at a press conference at the Prisons Department headquarters in Old Dhaka.

As part of the initiative, prisoners are receiving training in 39 different trades to help them develop skills and prepare for life after release. Steps have also been taken to bring the train...