The home of infamous drug dealers Rima and Sima, in the Sat Tala slum of Banani, was a haven for drug addicts. Morning onwards, addicts would go there to both buy and use drugs openly, often late into the night.
However, with Rima and Sima having gone into hiding because of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP’s) ongoing anti-drug operations and “zero tolerance” policy for narcotics, the law enforcement agency has taken the initiative to convert the once disreputable establishment into a sanctuary for children with the help of local public representatives.
DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Wednesday inaugurated a community day care centre at the once notorious drug den. Banani unit Awami League President AKM Jasimuddin was also present.
DMP officials hand out candy and toys to children at the community day care centre in Sat Tala slum of Banani, which used to be a drug den | Dhaka Tribune
Speaking at the inauguration, the DMP commissioner said: “This house in the Sat Tala slum is on government property. Rima and Sima built this house illegally and started selling drugs. But now it is a community day care centre. It was established with the help of local public representatives and will be funded by locals.”
He added that most of the female residents of Sat Tala slum were working women who would benefit greatly from the day care centre.
“They (female residents) can go to work and leave their children here without any tension or worry. The day care centre will take care of the children and will also help teach them how to read and write. The sound of children’s footsteps will bring joy to this place,” the DMP commissioner said.
Furthermore, DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman sounded a warning for drug dealers. “There is no place for drug dealers in Dhaka city. Those who sponsor, shelter, and finance drug dealers will be brought to justice.”
Later, in an event organized by the DMP, the commissioner distributed Eid clothing to one thousand underprivileged people at the IPH School in Mohakhali.
Rima and Sima’s dwelling in the Sat Tala slum is not the first drug den to be converted into a community day care centre. Previously, the house of drug lord Abdul Jalil in the Korail slum was also converted into a community day care centre.
