Slum dwellers install CCTV cameras with own money

Dwellers of Kalyanpur slum in the capital have purchased and installed closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) with their own money to rid the incidents of theft and mugging inside the slum area.

In doing so, they did not take help from local influential people or government representatives.

The initiative cost them around Tk120,000, of which they were able to pay Tk70,000 in cash. The rest will be paid soon, locals said. On the first day, slum dwellers managed to gather around Tk60,000, one resident told this reporter.

Police say criminals now will be frightened to enter the slum area or carry out a crime. The residents say they are already witnessing a sharp fall in criminal activities in the area.

Bangla Tribune

The slum is divided into ten localities and a total of 25,000 people live here. It has a main road and four sub-roads. The main road and two of the sub-roads now have been brought under CCTV coverage with nine cameras.

The cameras are controlled by Mirpur model police station and the monitor has been installed at Kalyanpur Baitul Noor Jame Masjid and Madrasa Complex. Youths from the slum are joining hands in monitoring the screen.

Anju, a scrap dealer in the slum, said since the installation of CCTV cameras incidents of crime has gone down rapidly.

Zahirul Islam, the owner of a rickshaw garage, said their biggest fear is a fire incident which might take place for several reasons. Now no one will be able to carry out sabotage in the slum area, he added.

General Secretary of Baitul Noor Jame Masjid Madrasa Complex Hasan Liton said CCTVs have been installed at spots the drug dealers used to frequent.

Bangla Tribune

Mohammad Mohsin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Mirpur Model Police Station, told Bangla Tribune that he is able to monitor the law and order situation at the slum through his mobile phone. It is playing a key role in bringing down crime in the area, he added.

Senior Assistant Police Commissioner of Mirpur Zone Hasan Mohammad Muhtarim said the installation of CCTV in Kalyanpur slums will be an example for other slums in the capital.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahbubur Rahman hailed the initiative. He said that many people take CCTVs as a luxury item. But the cameras have become a necessity in maintaining law and order in the capital, he added.