Inside the prisons, things aren't any better. Many VIP prisoners haven't been given division facilities simply because the jails can't handle them. In response to this, the government declared the Keraniganj Central Jail a special prison to house these high-profile detainees. They even set up a complete administrative structure—from the jailer to the superintendent and other officials—to manage the new setup.

Despite everything being ready, transferring VIP prisoners hasn't started yet. Officials have said it's unlikely this will happen before Eid. This delay has raised safety concerns for the prisoners, with both families and lawyers fearing for their security.

Right now, 153 VIPs are locked up across various jails in the country, facing charges that include embezzlement, money laundering, and even murder. Most of them are being held in jails under the Dhaka division.

One major incident occurred on April 28, when former law minister Anisul Huq was attacked in the Narayanganj court compound. This wasn't the first time—he's faced similar hostility before.

Another violent episode took place on August 20. After a remand hearing at Dhaka's CMM Court, former social welfare minister Dipu Moni and former state minister for youth and sports Arif Khan Joy were attacked while being taken back to prison.

Even Salman F Rahman, a former adviser to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on private industry, was harassed in a court area.

These repeated incidents triggered widespread criticism, eventually leading the government to announce the establishment of the special prison facility.

According to the prison directorate, 130 VIP prisoners are in the jails of the Dhaka division. Among them are former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's adviser Salman F Rahman, former law minister Anisul Huq, former minister Shajahan Khan, advocate Qamrul Islam, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Sadhan Chandra Majumder, former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, and former deputy minister Arif Khan Joy.

Also held in these prisons are former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, temporarily suspended superintendent of police Tanveer Saleh Emon, former police officer Mohiuddin Farooqui, temporarily suspended officer Shahen Shah, and former assistant police commissioner Tanzil Ahmed, along with several other senior police officials.

Additionally, Dhaka division jails house controversial former army officer Major General Ziaul Ahsan, former Navy Rear Admiral Md. Sohail, former Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Atiqul Islam, former deputy speaker, advocate Shamsul Hoque Tuku, and former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, Sitangshu Sur Chowdhury, among others.

Outside Dhaka, the jails of the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions hold 9 VIP prisoners each. In Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna divisions, there are 3 VIP prisoners each. Barisal division jails hold 1 VIP prisoner. Some have already been convicted in various cases, while others are still undergoing trial.

Considering their security and overall management, the government has declared Keraniganj Central Jail a special prison. The required administrative structure, including a jailer and jail superintendent, has already been established there. Prisoners will receive all facilities in accordance with the prison code. Separate rooms for VIP detainees in the special prison, along with arrangements for special meals, are available. In certain cases, VIP prisoners will also be allowed personal attendants.

They will also have access to newspapers and be allowed to make phone calls once a week for a fee of BDT 10. However, the most important facility in the special prison is access to advanced medical care and round-the-clock health services.

According to the prison code, prisoners are classified into three divisions: Division-1, Division-2, and Division-3. The code states that all prisoners must be categorized under one of these divisions. Division-1 is reserved for well-behaved, non-habitual offenders of high social status and education who are accustomed to a higher standard of living and who are not convicted of brutal crimes, serious offenses, or embezzlement.

Those considered Division-1 prisoners are regarded as first-class inmates. This category includes all former individuals ranked 1 to 18 in the government-published Warrant of Precedence. It also includes the central committee president and general secretary of political parties represented in the National Parliament; recipients of gallantry awards such as Bir Uttam, Bir Bikram, and Bir Pratik; recipients of the Independence Award and Ekushey Padak; commercially important persons (CIP); and individuals appointed as Professor Emeritus.

The special prison inside Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj was originally built during the Awami League government. The plan was to transfer former prime minister Khaleda Zia as the first inmate, and the prison authorities had started preparations accordingly.

However, in 2020, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Khaleda Zia was released for six months by an executive order of the government. Later, on August 5, the Awami League government fell following a student and public uprising. After that, Khaleda Zia was acquitted in one case after another, so she no longer needed to return to jail.

AIG (Prisons) Jannat-Ul-Farhad told Bonik Barta, "Some VIP prisoners with division status will be taken to the special prison in Keraniganj. Although May 15 was initially considered the probable date for the transfer process, it couldn't be done as some preparations were still incomplete. We hope that the VIP prisoners' transfer to the special prison will be completed right after Eid. However, not all VIP prisoners will be taken to the special prison."