Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia has revealed that the details of eight million Dhaka citizens have already been compiled in the Citizen Information Management System (CMS) database.
Adding that the need for digital monitoring to curb criminal and illicit activities is ever-present, the DMP commissioner disclosed this after inaugurating the Jahurul Islam City CCTV Control Room and the Police Service Week rally, in Aftab Nagar area of Dhaka, on Tuesday.
He continued: “We stored the data to ensure sustainable security measures, which is common practice for almost all developed cities across the world. We have updated the existing database and named it CMS. This system will help us identify and track criminals and illicit activities throughout the city.
“Many incidents—of hijacking, robbery, mugging, and doping—in the metropolitan area are never reported. The benefits of technology will allow us to collect real-time data of criminal activities, through CCTV units.”
Determining the implementation of a digital monitoring system necessary to ensure the continued development of Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman said: “For your information, we have already installed thousands of CCTV units in various neighbourhoods of the city, such as: Gulshan, Banani, Niketon, and Baridhara.
“After we brought these areas under a digital monitoring system, crime in these neighbourhoods has almost dropped to zero.”
The DMP commissioner furthered: “The newly-inaugurated Jahurul Islam City CCTV Control Room is the continuation of the digital monitoring system. One hundred new CCTV units have been installed as part of the effort. By establishing a sustainable security system, people will be able to move more freely.
“The safety and security of all life and properties will be ensured. The monitoring system will supplement the police services in the area. If anyone has complaints about DMP personnel, he or she can submit complaints to senior police officials.”
‘Strict action against police if involved in crime’
Addressing the police force, the DMP commissioner said they must serve the people with integrity; and if they are unable to do so should step down.
“If any member of the police is found supporting the narcotics trade or any other criminal activities, he or she will face exemplary punishment. We will make an example out of these culprits, so that the others can learn from their fate,” said the DMP commissioner.
Sounding a note of caution to criminals, Asaduzzaman Mia said: “Strict action will be taken against: militants, terrorists, drug kingpins, and illegal occupiers of land; regardless of their influence or power. We have taken up a zero-tolerance policy against illegal narcotics.
“Drug dens previously located in Korail slum and Karwan Bazar have been demolished. Legal action will be taken against drug kingpins, once they are identified by law enforcement.”
