Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has expressed regret over the firing incidents during the protests in July and August, urging that political figures must refrain from using law enforcement agencies to serve their interests in the future.
Speaking as the chief guest at a public dialogue with residents of the Mohammadpur area in Dhaka on Tuesday (3 December) he addressed various concerns, including public safety and urban mobility.
Highlighting the importance of restoring the police force's reputation, Commissioner Sajjat Ali remarked, "Efforts are underway to regain the lost prestige of the police. Sustainable security cannot be ensured without the police. We must take a united initiative against extortionists, and the police will extend full cooperation in this regard."
On the burgeoning number of battery-operated auto-rickshaws, the Commissioner acknowledged their necessity for low and middle-income communities but warned against their uncontrolled growth.
"We must think pragmatically. If auto-rickshaws continue to increase at this pace, the streets will be entirely occupied, making it impossible for anyone to move. This cannot be allowed," he asserted.
The economic viability of auto-rickshaw investments was also discussed.
"An individual investing Tk80,000-Tk90,000 in an auto-rickshaw earns Tk500 daily. Professionals, whether doctors, engineers, or others, might invest Tk10 lakh in ten vehicles and earn Tk5,000 daily. Compare this to a bank deposit, where Tk1 lakh generates only Tk1,000 monthly. Earning Tk500 daily from a Tk1 lakh investment seems lucrative, which is why many are investing in auto-rickshaws," he explained.
However, he cautioned that such investment trends could paralyse the city. "If everyone invests this way, there will be no space left for movement. Ambulances won't be able to reach patients in emergencies, and Dhaka city will come to a standstill," he warned.
The commissioner concluded by mentioning that he had informed the government of the situation, emphasizing that no additional auto-rickshaws should be allowed on the streets beyond the existing number.
