Crimes down in B'baria as community policing pays

Brahmanbaria police officials holding a meeting at Ibrahimpur village in Nabinagar upazila to create awareness among people against crimes. PHOTO: STAR

It was introduced on May 1, involving people from all walks of life.

Highway robbery, piracy on rivers, snatching and abduction both in rural and urban areas have become rare after introduction of community policing. This was stated at a law and order review meeting, held on June 20.

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The meeting was told that in April, five murders, three incidents of dacoity, three of piracy, and 22 incidents of violence against women were recorded in different areas of the district.

In about fifty days from May 1 to June 20, four murders, two incidents of robbery and 21 incidents of violence against women were recorded, according to sources in police and the administration.

On the other hand, tipped-off by members of Community Police, police nabbed 34 alleged dacoits and another 57 for other crimes in 50 days from May 1. In April, they had nabbed 13 dacoits and 15 others for various crimes.

Clash over trifles involving villagers often took place in different parts of the district earlier. This has virtually stopped as the members now quickly inform police if they apprehend any clash. Police takes action immediately. Four clashes involving villagers took place in April, but there was none since May.

Being close to the border, Brahmanbaria was a transit point for smuggling. This has also been reduced drastically.

All classes of peoplestudents, teachers, workers, local elite, religious leaders, workers and women are involved in community policing in each community in urban and rural areas. Their number is about 12,00 now, according to Police Superintendent ATM Tareque

They hold regular rallies in their areas, also attended by the SP and other police officials.

Besides law and order, the rallies discuss violence against women and children, dowry, child marriage, smuggling, drug control and anti-social activities and create awareness among people.

This has also helped a lot in creating good relations between police and people.

The SP said about 50 such programmes including 15 big public meetings were held in different areas of the district since May to create awareness and implore people to rise against crimes.

Health care, family planing, tree plantation, fish cultivation and adult literacy were also discussed in the meetings.

"The improvement in law and order is the result of Community Policing", the SP said.

"The situation will improve further if we involve more people in such activities", he added.