Sifting through the many facets of criminality
Junaidul Haque reads of the dangers Dhaka faces
Urban Crime and Violence in Dhaka, Salma A. Shafi, The University Press Limited
Salma A Shafi is an elegant person of many qualities. She is an architect and urban planner, trained at home and abroad. She is a brilliant researcher on urban planning issues and an accomplished writer, having publications at home and abroad. She is a friend of the poor and a serious environmentalist. She is the wife of a valiant freedom fighter. Last but not the least, she is a fine singer of Tagore songs. If you come to know her, you have to admire her. Urban Crime and Violence in Dhaka is a well-written, elegant and nicely printed 175-page publication by Salma A Shafi. The prestigious University Press Limited is her publisher. The book is the result of a study carried out on urban crime and violence in public places of Dhaka, a city where the writer has spent almost all her life and has great affection for. It is based on extensive field investigations as well as analysis of secondary data. It not only throws light on the types of crimes that occur in Dhaka but also reveals the reasons behind the criminal activities taking place in Dhaka. The writer points at the nexus between crime and violence and the socio-economic situation of our metropolis, where she is rooted. She then recommends policies that will help reduce crime and violence and make life safer for the residents of Dhaka. Dhaka is 'almost a member of my family'. The book is dedicated to her deceased parents, Abdul Awwal and Feroza Begum. The book is divided into ten thoughtfully arranged chapters. In addition, it has a list of tables, figures and plates, abbreviations, glossary and a well-written preface. There are two appendices and an index at the end. The writer is all praise for her assistant and co-researcher Abu Mehedi Imam 'on whom I rely completely for all kinds of support'. Both the scholar and the ordinary curious reader will find the book delightful and useful. At the beginning there is an outline of the study, spelling out its objectives and methodology. The Shafi then throws light on people's experience of crime and violence in the city. The period of study extends from August 2005 to February 2006. The second chapter explains the background of crime and violence in Dhaka city. It discusses Dhaka's social and physical environment and its administration and management. It lists all crimes and incidents of violence in the country, defines them and spells out the common types. Dhaka is ranked ninth among the most populated cities of the world. It has more than ten million people living in 145 square kilometers. It is divided into 90 wards under 10 administrative zones. It has 28 police stations. Dhaka's poor population is on the rise and is often blamed for the increase in crime and violence in the city. Dhaka has a few planned residential areas but much of the city crammed with slums. It is also packed with young people. Employment opportunities and healthy indoor and outdoor activities are limited. The third chapter deals with secondary information and typology. The writer discusses her findings from newspapers and police records and analyses the available information. We learn that there are approximately 80 organized Bangladeshi criminal syndicates, of which 28 function in Dhaka city. Extensive criminal activities are often committed under the umbrella of political power. The fourth chapter is on household survey. Victims of crime and violence suggest modern arms for law enforcers, stoppage of political influence, increasing police forces and introduction of community policing. A lot of people feel insecure. Hijacking is a major crime occurring at all hours. Street survey is the fifth topic. Respondents have asked for introduction of community policing and expect ward commissioners to monitor police activities. Many have described Dhaka as 'the city of hijackers'. The next topic is observation of public spaces. Public parks, major markets and shopping areas, hospitals and transportation centres were selected for daylong observation of the study team. Parks and playgrounds are well used by people of all age groups for physical exercise and recreation. But these places are also frequented by beggars, vagabonds and drug abusers at all hours. Security measures and lighting are not adequate. Public monuments and cultural centres are positively used but there are idle youths, drug peddlers and vagabonds too. Security measures in these places are also very inadequate. Hijacking, extortion and drug dealing are common incidents in markets and shopping centres. Drug peddling, theft and sex business are widespread in public hospitals. Passengers coming out of bus terminals are pounced upon by muggers and organized gangs. Chapter seven provides a summary of the findings of surveys and observations of public places. It summarises the experience of 600 interviewees 'to present people's perceptions and experience to the reader'. Sixty five percent of the respondents had personally experienced crimes. Forty-one percent had been subject to hijacking. The criminals involved were aged between 25 and 18. To combat crime and violence, the following means were suggested: participating in social activities, informing police on criminal activities, helping victims and participating in community police activities. Chapter eight deals with focus group discussions. The research team conducted a total of seven focus group meetings - with women's groups, street children and high-ranking police officers. Among other reasons, participants listed high population density, availability of instruments of crime, high cost of living, unequal distribution of wealth, corrupt political leaders and decay of social and cultural values as the main causes of crime and violence in Dhaka city. Police are quite underpaid and for this reason they often resort to crime. Chapter nine deals with urban crime and violence as a development issue. It explores the links between urban poverty, inequality and social disorders. It naturally is a vital chapter: 'To prevent urban violence, a well-thought out policy and well-coordinated programme is needed'. Urban crime and violence prevention programmes should be integrated with poverty alleviation and urban development strategies. The media should play a more proactive role and go beyond reporting. Speedy dispensation of justice at courts will certainly help. Violence at campuses should be stopped. The final chapter deals with recommendations on tackling urban crime and violence in Dhaka city. The writer successfully identifies the root causes and provides some short and long term recommendations. Urban socio-economic development is a must. Efficiency levels of the people in charge should improve. The media can be utilized in every way to play a more effective role in reducing crime and violence. A commission on prevention of urban crime and violence is necessary. The commission will deeply study the findings of researchers and formulate policies to implement programmes to control and prevent crime and violence in urban areas 'on the basis of a nation-wide strategy'. There should be city and local level programmes and action plans. Gender safety should be developed and promoted in local communities. Garments workers should be guaranteed safe movement. Parks and playgrounds should be designed with safety, security and public amenities in mind. Children should have walkways to go to school and playgrounds safely. Women need equally safe routes to walk to work, shop and enjoy the outdoors freely. The researcher reaffirms that it is urgent to take measures to resist the growing crime and violence in Dhaka city. 'The task is massive but the responsibility to tackle it lies with all concerned'. People of all strata, especially law keepers and lawmakers, must take the responsibility to help implement the strategies advocated in this book to make Dhaka a safe and livable city for future generations. The researcher has done a splendid job. Her study and recommendations will certainly help all concerned immensely. She has affection for Dhaka and its million inhabitants. Salma A Shafi employs lucid language and deep insight in the work. Her economy of expression is praiseworthy. The book has not failed to delight as well as enlighten us.
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