Photo : Collected
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stations are once again bustling with activity following the appointment of new Officer-in-Charges (OCs). The recent leadership changes have revitalised the police force, restoring a sense of normalcy after a period of uncertainty.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the police stations were almost deserted, with no police members present at their respective posts. Currently, the situation has improved significantly and is returning to a normal state.
DMP's Additional Deputy Commissioner Obaidur Rahman said, “The situation in the police stations is now largely normal. The DMP Commissioner himself is inspecting various police stations to see the situation firsthand.”
He said that police stations are the main centres for legal services for the public. The situation is much better now compared to the environment of the past few days. It's becoming normal day by day.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Shahjahanpur police station in the capital, the police presence was found to be fairly normal. Two police members are on duty at the station gate, and two more police officers are at the entrance. After providing identification, when asked about the current situation, they commented that the environment of the police station is normal. They also said there is no fear at present.
The office of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) is on the second floor of the station. Khairul Islam has joined as the new OC. He was interviewed there.
He said that it's been three days since he joined this station. The day after joining, the Police Commissioner came to inspect the station and expressed satisfaction after seeing everything.
Khairul Islam said, “The fear and panic that were present in the police from the past students' anti-discrimination movement to the recent fall of the government have dissipated. We have returned to our normal activities.”
He added, “People are coming to the station to file GDs or cases. We are also providing them services.”
In response to a question, he said, “We have also started our outdoor duties. I am personally conducting surveillance at various important spots with the officers. In addition, officers are performing various types of police duties.”
Mentioning that the police presence at the station is also good, he said the situation is becoming normal as days go by.
Rezaul Karim, OC of Chawkbazar police station, was also interviewed. He said there are no problems now. Outdoor duties, GDs, and cases are occurring as usual. There is no shortage of outdoor duties.
He said, “We conducted an operation on Wednesday night and arrested suspects. Currently, our normal activities are ongoing at this station.”
Touhidul Islam, OC of Gulshan police station, said, “Gulshan is an important area. The activities of our station are proper.”
Khilgaon was one of the stations attacked during the movement. Abu Daud Khan, OC of the station, said that since joining, he has been trying to bring the situation back to normal. He himself is visiting various places in the station area and talking to people.
He said the police presence at the station is good. They are making all kinds of efforts to restore trust by providing police services.
Upon enquiry, it was found that almost normal activities are ongoing in other stations, including Rampura, Badda, Bhatara, Uttara, Mirpur, Pallabi, and Tejgaon in the capital.
Incidentally, during the quota movement, there were extensive clashes between student protesters and police. The student protesters attacked police stations and burned a large number of police vehicles. Police fired on the student protesters during the incident. As a result, both student protesters and police suffered casualties. Later, when the Awami League government fell on August 5, the police stations became empty. Police officials, from the IGP and DMP Commissioner to DIGs of various ranges, OCs, SIs, and even constables, went into hiding. Currently, senior officials are still missing.
After the formation of the interim government, the Home Affairs Adviser began extensive efforts to restore the position of the police. In this context, there was a massive reshuffle in the entire police force. As part of this, new senior officials, including the new DMP Commissioner, were appointed. Later, new OCs were appointed in 50 police stations of DMP. The situation has been improving since the new OCs joined. Currently, the situation has returned to an almost normal level.
Messenger/Fameema
