SINCE the fall of the Awami League government, capital Dhaka has descended into a state of lawlessness, with a sharp rise in crime and growing public anger directed at the police.
According to a report published on Friday by this daily, the city has become a breeding ground for organised criminal gangs, who have exploited the chaos to intensify their activities, committing thefts, robberies, and even murders on near-daily basis.
The destruction of CCTV cameras during recent student protests has also exacerbated the situation, creating a security vacuum that criminals are quick to exploit.
The police, once the cornerstone of law and order, are now struggling to regain control.
Many officers, traumatized by recent attacks and the destruction of their stations, are hesitant to patrol the streets, leaving large swathes of the city unprotected.
This has emboldened criminals, leading to a surge in both public and private crimes.
Internal conflicts within gangs have further fueled the violence, with criminals increasingly hiring outsiders to carry out violent acts and shift blame onto rival factions.
Though we have urged the cop authority to take decisive action but the ground reality is that their efforts have been hampered by low morale, logistical challenges, and fears of retribution.
Despite police stations resuming operations, their presence on the streets remains minimal, especially after dark.
The national helpline, 999, which should be a lifeline for citizens in distress, is overwhelmed, struggling to provide adequate support due to a lack of police personnel and resources.
The situation in Dhaka is dire, and the government must act swiftly to restore law and order.
The destruction of police infrastructure, vehicles, and records during the mass uprising has severely weakened the force’s operational capabilities.
Reinforcing and restructuring the police force is not just an option; it is an urgent necessity.
The government must balance immediate reforms with the need to maintain public safety, ensuring that the police can secure the streets, protect citizens and prevent further chaos.
Long-term structural reforms are crucial, but the immediate focus must be on restoring the police’s ability to function effectively.
The people of Dhaka deserve to live in a city where they feel safe, and it is the government’s responsibility to bring that into reality. The time for action is now.