GAIBANDHA, Dec 11: Con struction work of a new prison in the district comes to a stop due to fund shortage.

The new prison Is being built at . Jheneshware near Gaibandha-Palashbari Road. But only portions of entrance building and boundary walls have been built so far.

The present sub-Jail, constructed during the British regime, is now cramped with prisoners. The sub-jail is now home to some 600 prisoners against the capacity of only 114.

Jail officials said a single cell is

supposed to accommodate 5 to 6 prisoners, but now 15 to 20 prisoners are staying In a cell.

Moreover, the Jail building remains in dilapidated condition. During the rainy season, water oozes from the roof. Besides, toilets in the prison are not cleaned regularly. The inmates are also facing scarcity of water.

With a view to solving the problems the new Jail is being constructed.

Local people have urged the authorities concerned to take proper steps to start the construction work.