Dhaka, April 14 -- As Bangladesh welcomes the Bengali New Year with fervour, the festive mood can even be felt in jail.

Inmates were served Panta-Ilish, a traditional dish of watery rice and Hilsa fish, in the morning followed by other special events throughout the day. A special menu was arranged for lunch and dinner and inmates took part in cultural events to mark the occasion.

Jails across the country organised rallies for officers and staff. Boishakhi fairs were held at a small scale and entertain the inmates and the family members who visited them.

Dhaka Division's Deputy Inspector General of Jail Jahangir Kabir told bdnews24.com, "Panta-Ilish and different types of Bhorta (mashed dishes) were served to the inmates in the morning....