The Maldives and Bangladesh are in the final stages of signing a bilateral prisoner transfer agreement that will allow convicted citizens to serve the remainder of their prison sentences in their home countries.
According to reports, both governments are completing the legal and administrative procedures required before the agreement is formally signed. The proposed Transfer of Sentenced Persons Agreement is intended to support the rehabilitation of prisoners by enabling them to serve their sentences closer to their families and communities.
The development comes after Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Islam, recently visited Maafushi Prison to assess the welfare and living conditions of Bangladeshi inmates.
Official figures indicate that 44 Bangladeshi nationals are currently detained at the prison. Of these, 34 have been convicted and are serving prison sentences, making them eligible for transfer once the agreement comes into force. The remaining 10 individuals are currently on remand awaiting trial.
The proposed treaty will allow eligible Bangladeshi prisoners in Maldivian custody to complete their sentences in Bangladesh after the agreement is implemented.
The initiative is being described as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving inmate welfare while promoting social reintegration through closer family and community support.
If signed, the agreement will establish a legal framework for transferring convicted prisoners between the Maldives and Bangladesh in accordance with the laws of both countries.
