Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has instructed police officers to act promptly on any complaints or general diaries (GDs) filed at police stations, emphasising the importance of swift responses in building public trust.
Speaking at the monthly crime review meeting for November 2024, held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Dhaka’s Rajarbagh today (11 December), the DMP Commissioner said, “Police must reach the scene of an incident within an hour and conduct initial investigations. If necessary, a case must be filed. Quick action in any incident will foster a positive perception of the police among the public.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by Dhaka city, home to nearly two crore residents, the DMP commissioner noted the city’s issues, such as traffic congestion and other complications.
“To restore our lost glory, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and Bangladesh Police have undertaken initiatives, including engaging directly with the public, listening to their concerns, and assuring them of our commitment to providing top-notch service,” he said.
The DMP commissioner encouraged police officers to set examples through their behavior, ethics, and lifestyle, saying, “As the DMP commissioner, I aspire to elevate this institution to new heights. I urge my colleagues to also serve as role models. Public perception of police officers is as important as the fulfillment of their legal responsibilities.”
The commissioner emphasised that one of the police’s primary duties is to apprehend criminals and ensure justice through the courts. He issued a stern warning against misclassifying homicides as unnatural deaths in police records.
“Such misreporting will lead to severe punitive action, and the respective officer-in-charge of the station will be held accountable,” he added.
He also called for strict action against muggers, extortionists, and teen gangs. To combat these crimes, he proposed the formation of citizen forums comprising teachers, students, workers, community leaders, and businesspeople to promote collaboration and prevention.
During the meeting, Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruq Hossain presented a detailed analysis of November’s crime statistics, covering offenses such as robbery, burglary, murder, accidental deaths, road accidents, gender-based violence, drug trafficking, and arms recovery.
The DMP Commissioner provided various directives aimed at tackling these issues effectively.
