Inmates of Meherpur jail had a chance to escape from their everyday mundane activities inside the prison on Thursday when the authorities arranged a pitha festival for them.

On Thursday night, the prison compound was brimming with aroma of various types of pitha, the rice-made delectable winter delicacies of the country.

ASM Kamrul Huda, superintendent of Meherpur jail, said they arranged the festival for the 227 male and 6 female inmates so they also can join in the pitha-tasting festivities that grip the nation during the winter time.

Professional pitha makers were brought in and some of the inmates along with staff members of the jail took part in preparation, presentation and distribution of the pithas among all.

As a correctional facility, they try to organise these types of activities for inducing humane qualities among the inmates and the pitha festival will continue in years to come, he added.

Tajmid Ali, whose brother has been in the jail for the last eight years in connection with a murder case, said since there is a restriction on bringing home-cooked meal for a prisoner, it was a laudable initiative of the prison authorities.

Meherpur Deputy Commissioner Ataul Gani said treating inmates with compassion through such programmes can go a long way in facilitating behavioural correction of prison inmates.

MP/MEM