Govt beefs up security on streets
To improve security and stability, the Law and Order Core Committee has taken nine key initiatives, including operations in targetted locations, crime-prone areas, and areas suspected of harbouring criminals by a joint task force comprising members of the army, various police units, and the BGB.
The Chief Adviser's Press Wing announced the decisions in a press release yesterday, stating that they were made during a high-level meeting on Monday, presided over by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Law enforcement agencies will increase the number of checkpoints in key locations across the capital, with additional patrol teams being deployed. To further strengthen security, the Bangladesh Navy will introduce an additional patrol unit on key roads, while the Bangladesh Coast Guard will boost its presence in designated zones.
Senior officials, including heads of police units, deputy police commissioners, and brigade commanders from the Bangladesh Army, will regularly brief the media on security operations and developments.
To enhance mobility and rapid response, personnel from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), BGB, Ansar, and the Coast Guard will be provided with motorcycles.
Additionally, security operations will be expanded beyond Dhaka, with heightened patrols in Tongi, Bosila, Keraniganj, and Munshiganj. To reinforce security efforts, 500 members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) will be deployed to work alongside the DMP.
Police stations will compile and regularly update lists of known criminals, allowing for swift legal action against offenders. Moreover, steps will be taken to counter misinformation, rumours, and propaganda through the proactive dissemination of accurate information.
According to separate notifications from the BGB, DMP, and Rab, special measures have already been implemented, including setting up patrol teams and checkpoints for public safety.
During a visit to the capital's Gabtoli, Mirpur-1, and Mirpur-10 areas between 12:10am and 1:30am yesterday, this newspaper saw police setting up three checkpoints. The police teams were seen stopping CNG-run autorickshaws and private cars if they noticed any suspicious activity.
Speaking to this correspondent, Abdur Rahim, a ride-sharing driver, said he mainly works at night. "We are very happy to see police patrolling and checkpoints. If this continues, I believe the law and order situation will improve.".
In a notification, the BGB headquarters announced that the paramilitary force has launched night-time special patrols in Dhaka and across the country.
According to the DMP's Crime Command and Control Center, from 12:00am to 11:59pm on Monday, a total of 500 patrol teams were deployed under 50 police stations in the Dhaka metropolitan area. Additionally, to enhance safety in key and strategic locations, 54 police checkpoints were actively managed by the DMP.
During the 24 hours till yesterday evening, a crackdown against criminals led to the arrest of 248 individuals in Dhaka. Among them were 14 dacoits, 16 snatchers, seven extortionists, 11 thieves, 22 drug dealers, and 44 individuals with arrest warrants, along with other criminals.
Over the same period, 59 cases have been filed across various DMP police stations, and legal action has been taken against the arrested individuals, according to a DMP statement.
SM Zakaria, officer-in-charge of Adabor Police Station, said they arrested 12 people and recovered a knife and a machete from their possessions. "We are on alert so that no untoward incident takes place."
Tejgaon Police Station OC Mobarak Hossain said they have set up two checkpoints at Kawran Bazar and Bijoy Sarani and are on alert to prevent any offences.
The Rab headquarters has also intensified its operations, deploying 218 patrol teams—69 in Dhaka and 149 outside the capital—and increasing intelligence surveillance through officers in plainclothes nationwide.
Lt Col Ashikur Rahman, director of the Legal and Media Wing of Rab Headquarters, disclosed the details to The Daily Star.
"To prevent instability and criminal activities such as theft, mugging, robbery, and armed violence, Rab has strengthened its operations, which include aggressive patrolling and checkpoints," he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after laying wreaths at Banani Army Graveyard on the occasion of National Martyred Army Day, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam yesterday warned of legal action against law enforcement officers found negligent in their duties.
The adviser also noted that a special nationwide operation commenced yesterday evening to strengthen law and order.
"If any personnel from the police, BGB, Rab, Ansar, or the Department of Prisons fail in their responsibilities, they will be brought under legal scrutiny. No one will be spared," Jahangir said.
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