CAT: A Study on Bangladesh Compliance Conditions in prisons varied widely often within the same prison complex as some prisoners were subject to high temperatures, poor ventilation, and overcrowding while others were placed in ‘divisional’ custody, which featured better conditions such as increased family visitation and access to household staff. Political and personal connections often influenced the conditions that a prisoner would be placed in. All prisoners have the right to water access and medical care; however, human rights organizations and the media stated that many prisoners did not enjoy these rights.67 One of the key specific functions of the Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is visiting prisons and other institutions (where persons are detained) to observe the living conditions of the inmates and to make recommendations for improvement.68 However, the irony is that the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission, Dr Mizanur Rahman, was not allowed to visit Sylhet Central Jail on September 29, 2011, despite waiting at the jail gate from 9 am to 11 am. Jailer Nesar Alam Mukul quoted the Inspector General (Prisons) as saying that without prior permission from the home ministry, one cannot visit the prison. However, as per the 2009 Act that established the Commission, the Commission staff can visit any place including prisons without any prior approval. The NHRC 67 68 Ibid. See, the Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009. 49