Like in many other places, a mob attacked the capital's Pallabi police station after the Awami League government fell on August 5, causing chaos in the facility for three consecutive days.
Finding the station almost empty, the looters entered room to room and destroyed necessary documents, furniture, and personal belongings. They looted the arms, ammunition, and motorcycles, and vandalized the patrol cars. Several policemen at the station survived but were seriously injured that day.
On October 1, this correspondent visited the Pallabi police station and discovered that the on-duty officials, the majority of whom had recently transferred here, were operating normally.
On the day of the massacre, when the mob attacked the police station after 2pm, the on-duty policemen tried to escape to save their lives. Yet at least 17 of them were attacked. Four of them who sustained serious injuries have yet to be discharged from the hospital.
No policemen could have returned alive without Allah's mercy. They are beaten like snakes,” a police official who witnessed the mayhem told Bangla Tribune.
On August 5, looters stole two shotguns, a police pistol, 1,498 rounds of pistol ammunition, and 57 rounds of shotgun ammunition. Moreover, two personal revolvers and one gun stored in the police station were also snatched away by the looters. On two consecutive days, the attackers looted whatever they could from the police station.
Besides, 20 motorcycles parked at the station on August 5, most of which belonged to policemen, were looted, while eight patrol cars were completely destroyed. These patrol vehicles were later sent to the Rajarbagh Police Lines.
About three days after the August 5 anarchy, police members started coming to the station. In between, many were transferred to different stations, and new members were brought.
An officer of the station, wishing anonymity, observed that people's respect for the police had decreased since August 5. “It seems that people can't trust the police even if they visit a place after receiving the complaint.”
Complaints increasing
Since the Pallabi police station started its activities, people have started coming with various complaints, including land disputes, fights, drugs, rape, and family feuds, and a total of 50 cases have been filed.
Apart from this, 3,152 General Diaries (GDs) have been filed over grievances, threats, and various allegations of missing things. On average, more than 50 GDs are lodged every day.
The area under this police station is densely populated and crowded. Because of this, the crime rate is also high. More than 150 personnel of different designations were working in this police station before the uprising. Most of them have been transferred based on complaints and to ensure transparency.
At present, a total of 60 new policemen, including officer-in-charge (OC), inspector (investigation), and 14 sub-inspectors, have joined the station, and more will join gradually.
Duty Officer Mahfuz said: “I joined here on September 18. Most of the complaints are related to cheating, losing items, and harassment.”
OC Mohammad Nazrul Islam said the activities have become normal compared to earlier. The fear is waning among the policemen, and their morale has also increased. A small team of police is working on minor incidents. "However, we are relying on the army's assistance to deal with or control any major incidents."
“The transfer order of 90% of the previous police officers has been done. New police members are joining gradually. If everyone joins, our activities will be completely normal. The residents under the police station area have welcomed us.
“The police are people's friends. Not just in words, we are really trying to be people's friends. We are discussing various strategies for establishing good relations with the people by removing public anger towards the police.”
He mentioned that they were working to strengthen the morale of the police members and increase the quality of service. “Citizens’ committees are being formed to control crime and keep the law and order normal. Through these, the whole area can be monitored easily.”