Residents of Sariakandi Upazila in Bogra District have urged the government to establish police outposts in the remote char areas along the Jamuna River, citing rising security concerns and delayed law enforcement response due to poor communication infrastructure.
Eight of the upazila’s 12 unions are located in riverine and marshy char lands, while several others are partially affected by river erosion and seasonal flooding. These hard-to-reach areas remain accessible mainly by boat during the monsoon and by limited transport during the dry season, making rapid police response extremely difficult.
Locals report that crime has been increasing in the char regions, including theft, robbery, drug-related activities, land disputes, and livestock theft. In some incidents, cattle and buffalo herders have allegedly been kidnapped and released only after paying ransom, while others have been assaulted during cattle raids transported by boats.
Residents say the absence of nearby police facilities leaves hundreds of thousands of char dwellers vulnerable and largely outside effective security coverage.
Karnibari Union Chairman Anwar Hossain Dipon said law enforcement presence is urgently needed to ensure safety in the char areas, where crimes frequently go unchecked due to isolation.
Sariakandi Police Station OC A F M Asaduzzaman said proposals for establishing police outposts have already been sent to higher authorities multiple times and expressed hope that approval will be granted soon.
Bogra-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatala) MP Kazi Rafiqul Islam said he has raised the issue in Parliament and submitted official documents to the relevant authorities. He added that the Home Ministry has assured him that steps will be taken to establish police outposts in the char areas.
Residents of the riverine belt continue to appeal to the government of Bangladesh for swift action, saying permanent police outposts are essential to restore security and stability in the vulnerable char communities.
