Bangladesh's first-ever river police force has launched its operations, in Rajshahi, to ensure the security of the riverine area.
At its preliminary stage, the river police has set up two camps—one in Bashari area under Paba upazila and another in the Railway Bazar area under Godagari upazila—with 10 people; comprising two inspectors, two assistant sub-inspectors, and six constables.
The police force says that the inhabitants of the areas will feel more secure following the founding of the camps and crime will be on the wane, reports BSS.
During the first drive, the Paba River Police seized a large quantity of illegal nets from the Padma River on Friday night.
Mehedi Masud, inspector of the Paba River Police, said they—accompanied by Upazila Fisheries Officer Abu Bakkar—seized 2,800 meters of illegal nets, worth around Tk1.09 lakh, from the Char Khidirpur riverine area.
He said there is a plan to install a river police camp near Rajshahi Cadet College in Charghat and install a river police station at Rajshahi Police Line, however, the Padma riverine areas from Godagari to Charghat upazilas will be commanded by the Rajshahi River Police.
Mehedi also said their manpower will be strengthened in phases. “We will procure a speedboat and other mechanized boats to intensify our operational activities,” he added.
Additionally, the river police force will work to curb jatka catching, the use of illegal nets, plus drug and arms smuggling and trafficking in the area.