Mizanur Rahman visited the Mohammadpur Police Station on Monday afternoon to file a general diary (GD) after he was robbed the previous evening.
He reported that, in the Bosila area of the city, a group of approximately ten individuals armed with hatchets assaulted him, taking Tk65,000 and two mobile phones.
“When I exited the Dutch-Bangla Bank booth in the 40-Feet area of Bosila, a group of around ten people with hatchets approached, beat me, and stole my money and two mobile handsets,” Rahman recounted while at the police station to file his GD.
Mizanur Rahman’s case reflects a broader issue as many residents are crowding police stations across the city to file GDs and reports.
This surge in demand comes amid a critical shortage of resources at police stations nearly a month after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting and subsequent fleeing to India, following weeks of violent student-led protests.
In the aftermath of Hasina's government collapse, numerous police stations and personnel across the country were attacked, vehicles were set ablaze, and firearms were looted, plunging the nation into chaos during the power vacuum that lasted three days from 5 August.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power on 8 August, implementing measures to restore law and order. With military assistance, police activities gradually resumed.
Police operations are being hindered by a lack of vehicles and firearms. Photo: Ariful Islam Mithu/BFirst
Despite these efforts, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) continues to struggle with controlling the law and order situation due to limited logistical support, particularly with firearms and vehicles.
Mohammadpur Police Station was also attacked, resulting in damage to the station and its vehicles.
Officer-in-Charge Iftekhar Hasan stated that the station, which previously had eight patrolling vehicles, is now operating with only three.
Two of these were borrowed from the Motijheel police station. Hasan added that police personnel are currently not carrying firearms.
He noted an increase in criminal activities in the area, attributing it to the diminished presence of police.
“The vehicles are under repair, and once they are operational, we will be able to perform our duties as before,” Hasan said.
Despite efforts, Dhaka Metropolitan Police is still grappling with challenges. Photo: Ariful Islam Mithu/BFirst
At Adabor Police Station, which also faced an attack, Officer-in-Charge Imtiaz Bhuyan reported that all four of their patrolling vehicles were destroyed.
The station is now using three vehicles borrowed from neighbouring stations.
Adabor station building was entirely burned down, creating an accommodation crisis for the personnel. Despite this, the Adabor police are still carrying firearms during their duties, though some were looted during the attack.
Bhuyan observed a rise in crime in his area as police visibility decreased. He expressed hope that crime rates will drop once the station resumes normal operations.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police comprises 50 police stations across the city.
DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Israil Hawlader said that many police officers are traumatised by the recent events.
“We are providing motivation to our personnel to help them perform their duties actively,” Hawlader stated.
He also noted that some vehicles have been reallocated from other stations to support operations.
“Our goal is to ensure that police focus on effective policing in the future, and we will strive to fulfil our mandate,” the official added.
