The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has taken an initiative to transform old and unused police boxes located along sidewalks and major roads into modern, eco-friendly, and pedestrian-friendly units.
The first smart police box is set to be inaugurated in Agargaon later this month.
As part of a pilot project, the newly designed police box in Agargaon will serve as a model for future installations. Gradually, similar boxes will be placed at key intersections and signal points across the city. These structures are not only designed to provide a secure workspace for traffic police officers but also to create a comfortable and safe passageway for pedestrians.
Design and feature
Each police box measures 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in height, constructed as insulated container units. Pedestrians will be able to walk freely underneath the elevated structure. Inside, the boxes will be equipped with all necessary office facilities, proper lighting, and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable working environment for police personnel.
As part of its eco-friendly features, each unit includes an STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) that will treat wastewater, allowing it to be reused for gardening or other purposes. DNCC officials say the initiative is an example of integrating green infrastructure into urban spaces, promoting sustainable city management.
Pedestrians welcome the initiative
During a recent visit to Agargaon, the newly constructed police box drew the attention of many pedestrians, who stopped to observe and praised the initiative. Some even urged the authorities to replicate similar boxes not only under DNCC but also in areas managed by DSCC and other parts of the city.
Pedestrian Mohammad Sentu Khan told Dhaka Tribune: “Every signal point in Dhaka should have a police box like this. It will protect officers from the sun and rain and also benefit the public. Since it’s elevated, it can act like a watchtower, helping police monitor any suspicious activity or incidents. I think there should also be a complaint box in each unit so citizens can immediately report problems.”
Another pedestrian, Marjina Akter, said: “This is truly commendable. Police officers work tirelessly in the sun and rain, so this will be a big help for them. The walkway underneath is also a great idea. Once it’s launched, we’ll get to see how effective it really is. Maybe the upper part can function as a control unit, while the lower part helps manage pedestrian movement.”
Officials' perspective
Deputy Commissioner of Traffic (Tejgaon Zone) Mohammad Rafiqul Islam said: “Traffic officers spend long hours managing traffic under harsh conditions. Previously, various institutions built police boxes on their own initiative, mainly for rest or meal breaks. If the government now installs modern boxes like these, it will not only benefit officers but also enhance the city’s aesthetics. The traffic division will benefit significantly from this initiative.”
DNCC officials added that the newly designed police boxes will modernize and strengthen the city’s security infrastructure while promoting a safer and more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
