Bangladesh launches first cashless prison management system
RFID-based pilot lets families send digital funds while prison authorities track inmate movement and manage security without cash
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has introduced its first cashless prison management system at Munshiganj District Jail, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to digitally track inmates and eliminate cash transactions inside the facility as part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s prison administration.
According to the state-run Bangladesh prison authorities, the new system combines inmate tracking, digital financial management and automated monitoring into a single platform designed to improve security and streamline daily operations.
RFID is a wireless technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and monitor tagged objects or individuals without requiring direct contact or a visible barcode. The technology is widely used in airports, warehouses, hospitals and supply chains around the world to track people and assets in real time.
Under the new system, every inmate is linked to an RFID-enabled profile that allows prison officials to monitor movement within the jail, verify the location of prisoners and conduct accurate headcounts inside different prison wards.
Authorities say the digital process reduces the possibility of manual errors while providing real-time information about inmate locations.
The initiative also introduces a cashless financial system inside the prison. Instead of handing over physical money, relatives and family members can deposit funds directly into an inmate’s virtual account. Prisoners can then use RFID-enabled services to purchase approved items from the prison canteen, creating a fully digital payment environment within the facility.
Officials say replacing cash with electronic transactions improves transparency and reduces the risk of theft, unauthorized exchanges and disputes over money inside correctional institutions. Digital records also allow prison administrators to monitor spending and maintain detailed transaction histories.
Assistant Inspector General (Media) of the Prison Directorate Md. Jannat-Ul Farhad said the RFID-based platform has been launched as a pilot project at Munshiganj District Jail to evaluate its performance before a nationwide rollout.
If the trial proves successful, Bangladesh plans to gradually introduce the technology across prisons throughout the country, making Munshiganj the first correctional facility in the country to operate with integrated inmate tracking and a cashless payment system.
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