Police Inactivity Raises Concerns as Crime Rates Surge in Dhaka

In recent days, concerns have grown over the apparent inactivity of the police in Dhaka, despite all police stations being operational. A businessman from the Dhanmondi area had his mobile phone stolen three days ago, leading him to file a General Diary (GD) at Dhanmondi Police Station. Despite locating the phone, the police have been unable to recover it.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the stolen mobile phone is still active. When police contacted the individual in possession of the phone, they were met with threats. The person on the other end challenged the authorities, daring them to retrieve the phone if they had the courage. Shockingly, the police did not take further action.

This incident is not isolated. Just yesterday, at around 5 PM, an alarming robbery took place in the Naboday Housing area under Adabar Police Station. A university student was accosted by a group of robbers wielding machetes, who stole his mobile phone and money. Despite witnesses being present, none intervened. The victim chose not to pursue a case, opting instead to file a GD, fearing the complications that could arise from pressing charges.

In another disturbing event, a known drug dealer threatened a police station's Officer-in-Charge (OC) via video call, flaunting his illegal substances. The dealer taunted the officer, saying that despite multiple arrests in the past, he dared the police to apprehend him now.

According to sources within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, police operations have yet to return to full capacity. Regular patrols and searches have decreased, leading to a spike in robberies. However, few of these incidents are being formally reported as cases, with most being logged as GDs.

Officials have expressed concerns that police officers are hesitant to venture outside their stations. Where previously, one or two officers could manage to apprehend a suspect, now entire teams are required for such tasks. This hesitancy has created a climate of fear and inaction among the police force.

Visits to several police stations, including Badda, Hatirjheel, Ramna, Newmarket, and Dhanmondi, revealed a significant decline in public engagement. Before the government change on August 5, each station handled an average of 40 to 80 GDs and 5 to 10 cases daily. Now, these numbers have dropped considerably. Some stations are still under repair following attacks, and Ansar members remain stationed in certain areas for security.

Interviews with at least 10 sub-inspectors from five different stations highlighted the challenges faced by the police. Despite senior officials' reassurances, many police activities have yet to resume fully, with officers admitting they are still afraid to arrest suspects.

The aftermath of the recent student movement has left a lasting impact on the police force. Clashes between students and police across the country resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction of police installations. For three days surrounding the fall of the government, police activities were entirely halted. Many officers did not even dare to report to their stations, and Ansar members were brought in to secure the facilities.

It wasn't until August 9 that police activities resumed on a limited scale. Although operations have now been reinstated across the country's 639 stations, the police are far from their pre-crisis levels of activity.

In Badda Police Station, one of many that were attacked, fear lingers among officers. During a visit last Wednesday night, only three GDs were filed between 11 PM and midnight, with just 45 GDs recorded throughout the entire day, alongside a single case. OC Saiful Islam of Badda Police Station admitted that while service activities have resumed, the fear from the attack still grips many officers.

Some police officers are reportedly so traumatized that they struggle to sleep at night and are reluctant to participate in raids outside the station.

The frustration over police inaction is palpable among the public. In one instance, a dispute between two salesmen at Dhaka's New Market left one worker, Anwar Hossain, seriously injured. Despite filing a case, Anwar is frustrated that the accused remains free, openly working in his shop. Sub-Inspector (SI) Abul Bashar of Newmarket Police Station assured Anwar that efforts are being made to arrest the suspect.

Hatirjheel Police Station, which was spared from attack, remains operational. When visited yesterday afternoon, the station was bustling with activity, with at least 10 people filing various complaints, including a woman seeking to file a rape case. Several victims expressed their concerns to Bengali Vogue, citing an increase in thefts and robberies, and calling for more robust patrolling.

Hatirjheel Police Station's OC Saiful Islam stated that the station is fully functional, with officers not only handling GDs and cases but also conducting external raids to apprehend suspects.

DMP Commissioner Mainul Hasan acknowledged the fears among his officers following recent events. He emphasized the need for collective effort to overcome these fears, assuring the public that police activities in all stations are gradually returning to normalcy.

The recent surge in crime and the police's apparent reluctance to act have left the public feeling vulnerable. It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve as the police force continues to recover from the unprecedented challenges it has faced in recent weeks.