Drone surveillance on major roads in Dhaka to reduce political violence: DMP

The schedule for the next national elections is expected to be announced tomorrow. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has decided to monitor the main roads of the capital through drones to reduce possible incidents of violence based on this announcement.

Tuesday (November 14) at the headquarters of DMP Commissioner. The leaders of the transport association were also directed to install at least two CCTV cameras in every bus during the nearly four-hour-long meeting presided over by Habibur Rahman.

The main topic of discussion in the meeting was the preparation of the police to suppress the fire-terrorists.

In the face of the ongoing political deadlock in the country, the policemen present at the meeting were also asked to be ‘more alert’ from Wednesday to avoid any incidents of violence.

Both BNP and Jamaat have asked not to announce the election schedule in the current context. However, the Chief Election Commissioner is scheduled to deliver a live address tomorrow. Many are thinking that the schedule will be announced in this speech.

On Tuesday, the US sent a letter calling for ‘unconditional dialogue’ between the three main parties Awami League, BNP, and Jatiya Party.

The DMP meeting focused more on police preparedness to tackle arsonists. According to the fire service data, an average of more than 9 fire incidents occurred in the country in the 16 days from October 28 to November 13.

The police have also been asked not to arrest political leaders and activists without specific charges to avoid further criticism from international human rights organizations.

In the meeting, Additional Commissioner of Intelligence Police Haroon-or-Rashid said, ‘They [যেসব দল অবরোধ ডেকেছে] Very much like in 2014-15 [অস্থিতিশীলতা] could not create Although some parked buses were set on fire, they could not capture the capital. Even the countrymen at the district level could not panic. Even after announcing the election schedule, we have to keep the situation normal.’

Addressing the meeting, a DMP official emphasized that parked buses are the prime target of arsonists.

He requested to keep the windows of such buses closed and to be more vigilant against motorcyclists. Because most miscreants usually come on motorcycles and escape with fire.

It was informed in the meeting that after October 28, a total of 52 buses have been set on fire in the capital. Out of this, the maximum number of buses – roughly 15 – were set on fire in Mirpur area.

In the meeting, all crime departments of DMP and police stations were asked to analyze the footage and arrest those involved in the arson in any way.

Talking about the rally called by BNP on October 28, Habibur Rahman said, ‘One policeman was killed and many others were seriously injured. One has already been flown to India for advanced treatment. So don’t hesitate to serve the nation when the time comes.’

On October 28, BNP held a rally in Nayapaltan demanding elections under caretaker government. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul announced a strike the next day after suspending the rally midway.

Police arrested Fakhrul the next day. Then Amir Khosru and Moazzem Hossain and other leaders of BNP were arrested.

Then BNP announced hartal and blockade. Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties also joined in these strikes.

In the next 16 days, there were an average of more than nine arson incidents in the country.

Several people were killed in these violence. A policeman is also in this list.

The schedule for the upcoming national elections is expected to be announced tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. As a result, there is fear of renewed political violence in the country.