The prisoner transfer agreement between the Maldives and Bangladesh is currently in its final phase, according to the Bangladesh High Commission. This agreement, based on humanitarian grounds, will allow Bangladeshi nationals serving sentences in the Maldives to complete their terms in their home country. Recently, the Bangladesh High Commissioner visited Maafushi Prison to inspect the conditions of 44 Bangladeshi inmates and discuss their welfare with Maldivian authorities. While the agreement is expected to strengthen legal cooperation and support the rehabilitation of prisoners, the Maldivian government has not yet officially disclosed details regarding the matter.
A prisoner transfer agreement between the Maldives and Bangladesh has reached its final phase, bringing Bangladeshi nationals serving prison sentences in the Maldives a step closer to completing their terms in their home country on humanitarian grounds.
The update was announced by the Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives through a statement issued on Friday.
The High Commission said officials from both governments are continuing to work on the remaining procedures needed to finalise the agreement. Once those formalities are completed, the agreement will be signed and implemented.
The High Commission said the agreement is expected to further strengthen bilateral legal cooperation while creating a more humane framework that allows eligible prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentences in their home country, supporting their rehabilitation and overall well-being.
In a separate initiative, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr Md Nazmul Islam, recently visited Maafushi Prison with a delegation to inspect the conditions of Bangladeshi nationals held at the facility and discuss their welfare.
The delegation met all 44 Bangladeshi inmates currently housed at the prison. Of these, 34 are serving sentences after being convicted, while the remaining 10 are being held pending the conclusion of their legal proceedings.
Officials spoke individually with the inmates to better understand their circumstances, reviewing matters such as medical services, meals, clothing, accommodation, and the general standard of prison facilities.
The delegation also held talks with Maldivian prison authorities, where it conveyed concerns raised by the prisoners and urged officials to ensure they receive the services and facilities available to them under prison regulations.
Following the visit, Dr Nazmul Islam said the Bangladeshi government remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens overseas, adding that ensuring their welfare continues to be one of its key responsibilities.
The Maldivian government has yet to officially disclose any information regarding the prisoner exchange agreement between the Maldives and Bangladesh.
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