Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) have begun limited operations at several police stations following recent attacks.
While officers are gradually returning to duty, full-scale operations are unlikely to resume soon, as many stations were torched, resulting in the destruction of crucial assets, including vehicles, documents, and computers.
According to police sources, the extensive vandalism and arson at most stations mean it will take time before normal activities can be fully restored.
Officers began returning to some stations in the city on Thursday morning, with senior police officials inspecting the affected areas.
The attacks followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday, when multiple police stations across the Bangladesh Police Force were attacked and set on fire.
Weapons were looted, and important documents were destroyed.
Eleven police stations in Chittagong were affected, with eight set ablaze and weapons stolen from six.
In response, the police went on strike, presenting 11 demands.
After assuming office, the new Inspector General of Police (IGP), Md Moinul Islam, ordered all units to resume work by Thursday evening.
CMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media), Kazi Md Tareq Aziz, said that limited operations have resumed at police stations in Chandgaon, Bayezid Bostami, Khulshi, Panchlaish, Sadarghat, Chawkbazar, Bakalia, Pahartali, Akbarshah, Karnaphuli, Bandar, Halishahar, Doublemooring, and Kotowali. Efforts are also underway to secure a new building for the Patenga police station.
Meanwhile, the absence of police in Chittagong has led to a surge in criminal activities, including theft, robbery, extortion, and looting.
Reports of robberies have emerged from various parts of the country, including Chittagong.
In some areas, locals have apprehended robbers and handed them over to the army.
