DMP extends unwavering support for city dwellers

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering police services to the residents of Dhaka city, notwithstanding the constraints of limited manpower and various challenges. Our primary goal is to ensure that every individual seeking police assistance is served without encountering any form of harassment. Each member of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police is dedicated to fulfilling their duties with the highest level of professionalism, serving as a formidable deterrent to criminals and a trusted ally to the community.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Joint Commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarker spoke to The Daily Messenger on various police issues. He talks about various issues in an open and friendly interview.

Before the national elections, Biplab Kumar Sarker said, “how successful the police are in controlling anarchy and fire terrorism across the country including Dhaka, the people will decide how successful and how unsuccessful we are. The target or plot of their associates including BNP was to thwart the election at any cost.”

“In this case they choose the path of terror. If the police did not resist strongly, they would have resorted to more violence. Our members have staked their lives against this anarchy. So the police did not neglect its strictness and duty. Due to which they may have burnt a few cars but overall they could not do anything even on election day they could not do any kind of violence across the country including Dhaka. It was a beautiful, peaceful election.”

Now that the election is over, Biplab Kumar Sarkar highlighted the numerous challenges still facing the police force. Contrary to the notion that the police can now relax, he emphasised that they have an extensive workload ahead. Despite successfully managing the law and order situation during a challenging period marked by group conflicts, the police are continuously engaged in their duties. They are actively involved in handling various tasks, including handling cases, providing police clearances, ensuring security, and swiftly responding to incidents. The primary focus remains on safeguarding the internal security of the state. Additionally, with the evolving nature of crime, especially with the increasing prevalence of online offenses, the police are adapting their strategies accordingly, with dedicated efforts from their cyber unit. Hence, there is no respite or idle time for the police; they remain fully occupied with their daily responsibilities.

When asked about various types of criminal activities of juvenile gangs in Para Mahalla, he said, there is no such thing as a juvenile in law. Here it is not a child but an adult. All under 12-18 years are children. Adult if over 18. Here the teenage gangs terminology are coming through the media. 

“Yes, I'm not saying that they don't or don't commit crimes. We have to wonder why they are getting involved in crime. 20 / 30 years ago, what kind of crime would it have been at that age, maybe there was a tendency to hang out in front of schools and colleges, but if you saw a girl on the street, you would give blow a whistle at best, hang out with friends, there was a sociability even in a little rowdyness. For example, if you see elders or seniors, you should lower your head or hide a cigarette in your hand, or throw it away. At that time it was mandatory to enter the house after evening, there was a family or social bond.”

He added: But day by day this social bond is disappearing. The family is not controlling the boys and girls. If the boys want to buy a motorcycle, the fathers are giving it to them. Returning home at night. No one in the family knows what the son is doing and where he is going. Some local leaders are also taking this opportunity. They also take advantage of various opportunities starting from political processions with them.

Because of this, criminality is increasing among them. After becoming addicted to drugs, he steals and robs to collect that money. The fact is that it is not possible for the police to exterminate. When the boys were chatting, the police caught them and there were many things. For this reason, family and social ties should be strengthened. Family members should keep track of where and how their children go. If the local public representatives, political leaders take care of these issues, boys of this age will not have the courage to commit crimes. Even if we can't eradicate it, we always try to bring it under control.”

Area-wise extortion:

Especially regarding the murder of extortionists in Motijheel and the hidden shadow of extortion by fugitive terrorists outside the country, this senior official of DMP said that along with our thana police, DB and other law enforcement agencies also work on this matter. We do not have extradition treaties with many countries. Again with many countries, we are arresting the terrorist who fled to Oman in connection with Tipu's murder. Also recently, the person who threatened the Prime Minister was arrested from Saudi Arabia. Many times we do not come to the media or we do not feel the need to give it to the media. Currently, in the era of information technology, many terrorists in the country demand extortion by phone using numbers outside the country, and fugitive terrorists seek extortion and try to spread influence. We work on these issues.

Especially if the victims take recourse to the law, we do not take action.”

In preparation for the upcoming Ramadan period, Biplab Kumar Sarker stated that traffic management efforts will be bolstered with the inclusion of police personnel from the crime division alongside the traffic police. He acknowledged the challenges posed by increased traffic congestion, particularly during the holiday season when offices are closed, leading to crowded roads. However, he expressed optimism about the positive impact of the metro rail, which was not available during previous years, on alleviating congestion and benefiting residents in areas such as Uttara, Motijheel, and Mirpur. Additionally, arrangements will be made to ensure the safe return of people to their homes during this busy period. Regarding the issue of extortion on footpaths, Sarker emphasised that blaming the police alone for this problem is unjust, indicating a need for a more balanced perspective on the matter.

When asked about the anarchy in the terminals of the capital, this senior police official responded by highlighting the shared responsibility between terminal owners and workers. He emphasised that if they fulfill their roles effectively, such disorder wouldn't occur. However, despite these challenges, the police work diligently to maintain control.

The official acknowledged the numerous problems and limitations faced by the police force, including issues with police vehicles. He expressed concerns about the overuse of patrol cars, which can affect their service life. Despite these challenges, the police continue to respond to public emergencies promptly through the national emergency service hotline, 999.

The official reiterated the police's commitment to serving the people and ensuring the overall security of Dhaka metropolis, despite the constraints they face. With over two crore people residing in the city, their primary focus remains on fulfilling this commitment with unwavering professionalism.