CCTV camera installed in Mohammadpur stolen within 48 hours: Bobby Hajjaj

Primary and Mass Education State Minister Bobby Hajjaj has revealed what he described as a worsening law and order situation in Dhaka's Mohammadpur area, stating that a CCTV camera he personally arranged to improve security was stolen within 48 hours of installation.

"I personally installed CCTV cameras in the area. Unfortunately, the cameras themselves were stolen within 48 hours," he said.

Hajjaj made the remarks while addressing an open town hall meeting with residents of Dhaka-13 constituency at Suchana Community Centre on Ring Road in Mohammadpur yesterday (19 June) afternoon.

Responding to questions from local residents about public safety and civic concerns, the state minister outlined the area's security challenges and stressed the need for greater public participation in crime prevention efforts.

"It will not be enough to rely solely on the administration to ensure security. Local residents must also play an active role," he said.

Hajjaj said incidents of extortion, violent crime, theft and mugging had increased alarmingly in Mohammadpur in recent months.

Referring to a recent incident, he said one of his colleagues, Nur Islam, had been attacked because of security concerns in the area.

To help curb criminal activities, the government has initiated plans to introduce a community policing system involving local residents, he added.

"A committee will be formed very soon to implement the initiative," Hajjaj said.

The state minister also said efforts were underway to increase police patrols in the area, although he noted that long-term improvements would require modernisation and further strengthening of existing security measures.

Warning criminal groups operating in the area, Hajjaj said authorities would not tolerate terrorism, violence or extortion in Mohammadpur.

"The administration and local residents will continue to work together to maintain law and order," he added.