Despite a directive for police officers to return to their posts within 24 hours, many stations across the country remain non-operational due to ongoing security concerns. Officers are hesitant to return to duty, citing fears for their personal safety.
Conversations with police officials reveal that a significant challenge lies in restoring a sense of security among field-level officers. Without this assurance, many are reluctant to return to their stations. Consequently, police stations in Dhaka and other areas have not yet resumed full operations.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md. Moinul Hasan has urged officers to return to their stations and begin working as soon as possible. In a recent coordination meeting, he instructed police personnel to start offering basic services, such as setting up desks and chairs, to assist the public even if full operations are not yet feasible.
The meeting, held at the DMP headquarters, included officers-in-charge (OCs) of Dhaka’s police stations, deputy commissioners (DCs) of the crime division, and other senior officials. During the discussion, several officers expressed concerns about the extensive damage caused by recent attacks, which could delay the reopening of stations. Many stations have been severely affected, with critical resources such as computers, vehicles, weapons, and office furniture destroyed. Instructions were given to compile a detailed report on the losses.
The recent unrest, triggered by anti-discrimination protests and resulting in widespread violence, led to attacks on numerous police stations nationwide. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, police headquarters, as well as several key stations and installations, were targeted, vandalized, and set on fire. Weapons and equipment were looted, and many officers were injured, leading to the abandonment of police stations across the country.
Insiders report that public outrage over the police’s role in suppressing the protests resulted in these attacks. Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, many police officers went into hiding. As the situation gradually stabilizes, officers are slowly returning to police headquarters, DMP offices, and other key locations.
Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Moinul Islam had ordered all officers to return to duty within 24 hours. However, even after the deadline, most stations in Dhaka and across the country remain unstaffed. In their absence, Ansar members have been deployed to guard the stations.
The police headquarters issued an appeal to political leaders, students, and the public to support officers returning to their posts. The message, released to the media, also dismissed rumors that officers were facing obstacles in returning to work, urging the public not to be swayed by misinformation.
Status of Police Stations in Dhaka
At Hatirjheel Police Station, a notice was posted at the main gate urging the public to refrain from attacking or looting public property, emphasizing the consequences of such actions. The station itself was locked, with only Ansar members on duty.
Similar scenes were observed at Badda and Uttara East police stations, where only Ansar personnel were present. On a previous visit to seven stations in the capital, including Vatara, Badda, Hatirjheel, Shahbagh, New Market, Dhanmondi, and Uttara East, no police officers were found.
However, the Detective Branch (DB) office on Minto Road saw an increase in officer attendance. Security at the entrance was provided by army personnel, and visitors were required to register upon entry. Approximately 90 officers and staff reported to the DB office by 2:00 PM.
A Deputy Commissioner of the DB mentioned that the office had been heavily ransacked during the unrest.
Appeal for the Return of Stolen Weapons
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has issued a public appeal for the return of weapons, ammunition, and other items stolen from police stations. RAB headquarters urged those in possession of such items to voluntarily return them to the nearest RAB office.
