Following the nationwide unrest, many police stations across the country have been severely vandalized. Despite the damage, law enforcement officers are working to restore order and resume their duties.
It was observed on Monday that Mohammadpur Police Station, which was heavily vandalized, has partially resumed operations.
Officer-in-Charge Dipak Chandra Shaha said that nearly all the station's furniture and transportation were destroyed in the attack.
Despite the challenges, the station has begun receiving complaints and filing general diaries.
He said that all but two of the station’s members have returned to duty, with the absent officers unable to report due to illness. “Some documents were burned or are missing,” Shaha said.
“This will undoubtedly impact future law enforcement and investigation procedures, but we are working to recover what we can. We have informed Police Headquarters and the higher authorities about our situation, and they are assisting with repairs and resupply,” the Mohammadpur OC said.
In contrast, Dhanmondi Model police station emerged relatively unscathed from the chaos.
Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Amranul Islam confirmed that all members of the station had returned to work, and the station resumed its General Diary (GD) service on August 8.
Khandaker Jalal Uddin Mahmud, sub-inspector (Investigation) of New Market police station, said that their station was neither vandalized nor looted.
All personnel have returned to duty, and the station is expected to be fully operational by Tuesday.
However, some officers suffered minor injuries, and a few helmets were damaged during the unrest.
An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that several police members have received threats over the phone, allegedly from previously arrested criminals.
A visit to the police stations revealed that local political party members were visiting the station to introduce themselves to the police.
When asked about political affiliations, the officer said: “We aim to work independently. Fortunately, the current government is not politically involved, which makes our work easier.”
Vatara Police Station, which was severely vandalized and set on fire, has also partially resumed operations.
After being shut down since August 5, the station reopened on Saturday, although the main building remains unusable.
With assistance from the Ansar force, the army, and local residents, a temporary workspace has been set up on the roadside, using makeshift tables and chairs.
Shahidul Hossain, an Ansar member, said that it was challenging to work in current conditions but expressed the hope that everything will be better soon.
Meanwhile, army personnel were seen deployed nearby to ensure security.
628 police stations resume operations across BangladeshSub-Inspector Jamil Reza confirmed that police duties have resumed, and the traffic police box near the US Embassy is functioning as usual.
Several constables have been reassigned to support operations at the Vatara station.
Similarly, the Badda police station, which was also targeted during the recent unrest, is facing significant operational challenges.
The station building is completely unusable, and essential items, including seized motorcycles, were looted.
Currently, a few Ansar personnel are performing police duties under a temporary shed in front of the old police station building.
Ansar member Afaz Uddin said that they have managed to register some GDs since resuming operations on Saturday evening.
The army is providing security, and there are plans to relocate the station to a more suitable and permanent location until the original building is repaired.
Despite the return of some police officers to duty, concerns about safety remain high.
The Badda police station is located near Nimtoli Temple, a significant religious site in Dhaka, where additional Ansar members have been deployed.
Some local students are also assisting the Ansar personnel with their duties.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, police personnel were absent from duty since August 6 due to attacks by mobs.
During the nationwide unrest, a total of 42 policemen were killed while hundreds were injured.
Many police stations were torched and vandalized as the public blamed the law enforcers for their involvement in the nationwide protest.
The absence of law enforcement allowed robbers and vandals to exploit the situation, leading to a surge in criminal activities.
Since the formation of the interim government on August 8, police stations have been resuming operations gradually with the help of other law enforcement agencies.
