Old Dhaka dwellers have more confidence in the panchayet system as most problems are efficiently dealt with here.

This is also the reason why fewer number of cases are filed with local police stations in the old quarters compared to other parts of the city.

"Panchayet is much better as it gives speedy solutions. Besides, the unnecessary delay with paper works and the need for bribing corrupt policemen are not needed," said Shogir, an Amligola resident and shopkeeper. Abdul Jalil Sardar, who was previously the nayeb sardar (deputy chief) of the panchayet, has succeeded the Late Abdur Rahim Sardar as the chief of the Amligola Panchayet. The panchayet mainly functions through the decisions of two most influential position-holders, the sardar and the nayeb sardar who are elected by residents of the area after assessing their virtues and skills.

"Decisions are taken from religious and social perspectives rather than from judicial considerations," said Abdul Jalil Sardar. "This way, we are following the traditions established by our forefathers." Besides solving issues like sibling rivalry, marital conflicts and land disputes, the panchayet also pays for wedding ceremonies of the poor and needy, funeral services, free medical services and other such voluntary and social gestures.

The panchayet has its own building in Amligola. It has a store where necessary decoration items, crockery, accessories for bride and groom, biers for Muslim funeral and burial services and other items are kept. "The panchayet boosts our efforts at improving the condition and further development of the Amligola area," said Al Haj Altaf Hossain, commissioner of Ward 61 of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC).

Hossain said that his office and the Lalbagh police station only has to concentrate on handling law and order issues happening outside Amligola as the panchayet takes care of the area.

"We know that the panchayet here is always there to help us out with necessary information and advice and also information about problems affecting the residents of the area," said sub-inspector Shariful Islam of Lalbagh police station. Islam also pointed out that the crime rate in Amligola was comparatively much lower than that of neighbouring areas.

The panchayet system was initiated during the reign of Nawab Abdul Gani who had created a central panchayet. Gani's panchayet had 22 members who in turn governed the 22 panchayets of Dhaka.

Areas like Hosni Dalan, Lakshmi Bazar, Raishaheb Bazar, Alamganj, Chawk Bazar, Kolta Bazar, Nazira Bazar, Sator Oja, Postogola, Islampur, Alu Bazar, Nawabganj, Sutrapur, Kotowali, Lalbagh, Bangshal, Jinda Bahar, Lohar pul and Hazaribagh also have panchayets but they are either inactive or too weak to function properly.