Choose open field, auditorium instead of roads to realise demands, DMP chief urges Dhaka residents

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sajjat Ali today (8 January) suggested people to choose open field or auditorium instead of roads in Dhaka to press home their various demands.

"In recent times, various groups have resorted to road blockades to push for their demands. They think occupying roads will lead to the fulfillment of their demands which only worsen the already fragile traffic system of Dhaka city and the commuters are left stranded for hours on roads," he said.

Sajjat Ali made the remarks while addressing the annual general meeting of Crime Reporters' Association of Bangladesh at Dhaka Club.

He said the city's limited roads are particularly vulnerable and the closure of even a single road brings the entire city to a standstill.

Sit with the authorities concerned to realise demands and it is important to ensure that the ongoing traffic crisis does not worsen further, said the DMP chief.

Acknowledging the increase in mugging incidents in Dhaka, he said those involved in mugging age between 20 to 22 years and they do it to manage money for drugs.

The muggers choose it as the best chance when people talk over mobile phones keeping open windows of buses and microbuses, he said.

"If you (residents) remain vigilant, it will be of assistance to us (police)," he said.

The DMP commissioner said the detectives have been engaged in curbing the crime along with increasing patrolling by police at day and night.

Police have been trying to resolve some problems that erupted after the fall of police's confidence following the August 5, he said.

The DMP commissioner said that it was their responsibility to provide Dhaka residents with security and they were working with the purpose.

It will take time to change the mindset of police created over the past 15 years and training for them has already been initiated, he added.