Deshbartha Desk: During the Eid holidays, the capital city of Dhaka has become largely empty. Taking advantage of this, the police have intensified 24-hour patrolling to prevent theft, snatching, and other crimes. In addition, they have increased technology-based surveillance by monitoring footage from thousands of CCTV cameras installed across the city, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
It is learned that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 DMP personnel are on duty in shifts, 24 hours a day, to ensure overall security in the sparsely populated Dhaka. Alongside them, several hundred members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are deployed in the field as a striking force. As part of security measures, each crime zone in Dhaka is directly overseen by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Assistant Commissioners (ACs), while the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the respective police stations coordinates the patrolling in their areas.
Acting Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Md. Sarwar, said, “Generally, during Eid when Dhaka begins to empty, the administration takes some special measures to prevent theft, snatching, or incidents like mall parties. This time is no exception.”
The police stated that permanent and temporary checkpoints have been set up at important intersections and strategic points across the city. Regular block raids or special operations are being carried out in suspicious areas. Motorcycles and private cars are being stopped and searched to ensure that no one is carrying illegal weapons or drugs. The number of patrolling police vehicles has been increased.
At least 3–4 teams from each police station are on continuous patrol. Police officers are keeping watch on foot in residential areas and narrow lanes of commercial zones. In addition, special motorcycle teams are operating on the free-flowing roads to allow rapid movement.
Alongside field personnel, strict surveillance is also being carried out using technology. The DMP’s Central Command and Control Center is monitoring footage from several thousand CCTV cameras across the capital in real-time.
Law enforcement agencies have requested residents to keep CCTV systems active in empty homes, secure valuable items safely, and promptly report any suspicious person or object to the nearest police station or via 999.
Various battalions of RAB (1, 2, 3, 4, and 10) are regularly patrolling important points within their respective areas. Special attention is being given by RAB to entry and exit routes. To prevent criminal activities on empty streets, a three-tiered security system has been implemented: VIP areas and sensitive points are occasionally monitored from above using drones by RAB.
During the Eid holidays, RAB’s patrolling and surveillance have been increased to prevent theft and robbery at residences, workplaces, shopping malls, and other places in the capital. Additionally, RAB’s cyber monitoring team continues around-the-clock online surveillance to prevent the spread of rumors, provocative information, or false content in the virtual space.
On Sunday (22 March) night, M Z M Intekhab Chowdhury, Director of RAB’s Media Wing, said, “Security has been intensified across the country with special focus on the capital.”
Meanwhile, surveys by various organizations have revealed that approximately 12.5 million people have left Dhaka for Eid. However, these people may not fully return to the capital until the coming Sunday. After that, this busy city will regain its usual pace.
