After a week of disruptions from protests and violence, traffic police and police personnel nationwide, including in Dhaka, resumed their duties on Monday.
Traffic police were seen performing their duties in several areas of the capital, including Motijheel, Fakirapool, Malibagh, Shahbagh, Agargaon, Bangla Motor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Jahangir Gate, and Mohakhali in the Morning.
In some places, students were still present alongside the police, but their numbers were significantly lower compared to previous days.
Assistant Commissioner of the Tejgaon Zone, Snehashish Das, stated, “Since the Ramna-Tejgaon area is crucial, almost all traffic police have returned to work here. Specifically, in the Tejgaon area, 80 percent of the force is back on duty. As we resumed our presence, students began returning home.”
For nearly a week, no traffic police were present in the streets of the capital city due to student protests and violence. In their absence, students controlled traffic with whistles and sticks.
Many people expressed relief at the return of traffic police on the roads.
Nur Uddin, a passer-by in Agargaon, commented that it is reassuring to see the traffic police back. He hopes this will restore order and bring the situation back to normal.
Earlier on Sunday, police officers who were protesting with 11 demands met with Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, the Home Advisor, at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following the meeting, coordinators of the protesting policemen Inspector Zahidul Islam and Constable Shoaib Hasan announced the withdrawal of their work stoppage.
They stated, “Most of the demands we raised with the government have been assured to be met. Therefore, we are announcing the withdrawal of our work stoppage. We hope everyone will return to their duties smoothly.”
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, including Senior Secretary of the Security Services Division Moshiur Rahman, Secretary of the Public Security Division Md Jahangir Hossain, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam, Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Director General of the Department of Passport and Immigration, and other officials from various levels of the ministry. During the meeting, the protesting police officers were informed that some of their demands would be met immediately while others would be addressed in the long term. They were also told that attacks on police would not be tolerated and any complaints against the police should be reported to the authorities.
A decision was also made to bring changes to the police uniform and logo. Home Advisor Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said, “The demands raised by the police officers are legitimate. I have assured them that we will address their demands both in short and long term. Some demands will be met immediately.”
The protesting police officers’ demands included the swift identification and prosecution of those responsible for vandalizing police personnel and facilities, providing one-time financial compensation to the families of the deceased police officers, ensuring complete transparency in the recruitment of sub-inspectors and sergeants under the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the recruitment of constables under the Police Headquarters.
Police Headquarters (PHQ) reported that 628 of the 639 police stations nationwide had resumed operations till Monday.
“Eleven non-operational police stations were completely damaged, and due to the destruction of necessary logistics, furniture, and other equipment, these stations could not resume operations. However, it is expected that these 11 stations will be operational within 2-3 days,” said the PHQ statement.
Home Advisor Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Monday said, “Those who possess illegal firearms must surrender to the police station within seven days. If they fail to do so, they will face two charges: one for possessing illegal firearms and another for holding prohibited government weapons. The rifles must be returned by next Monday. Surrender them at the police station, either personally or through someone else. Whatever the method, the rifles must be returned. Otherwise, we will begin an investigation.”
He said not all police officers are bad. They have realized this and no longer want to wear the old uniform. They did not commit crimes; they were compelled to do so.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has urged individuals to promptly surrender any unlicensed firearms or ammunition to the nearest police station.
KN Roy Niyoti, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of DMP Media and Public Relations Division, said, “If anyone possesses unlicensed firearms or ammunition, they should immediately surrender to the nearest police station. Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition is a punishable offense.”
A week after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the police of 8 police stations of Chandpur joined together. Later they started official activities at the police station.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md Yasir Arafat said, “From today, our 8 police stations of Chandpur district have started their activities. From now on, we will work as people’s police.”
Similar to Chandpur, most police personnel nationwide have resumed their activities at their respective police stations.
Various police stations, traffic police boxes and police outposts in the capital were attacked, vandalized and set on fire in connection with Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the post of Prime Minister on August 5.
Many policemen were injured. Police members left the police stations due to panic, and traffic policemen also left the road. In this situation, traffic management broke down on the roads of the entire country, including the capital. University, college, and school students were seen on the streets to handle the responsibility in this situation.
