20,000 new members join Dhaka Metropolitan Police, majority lack experience

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is undergoing significant changes as around 20,000 new recruits join the force, making up a majority of the 32,000 members. 

However, many of these new officers lack experience working in the capital, where the dynamics of policing are different from those in district areas. 

Despite these challenges, DMP is determined to rebuild public trust and improve security in the capital.

The DMP found itself severely understaffed following the controversial events surrounding the July uprising, and the force became nearly vacant after August 5. 

This had a serious impact on law and order, with crimes such as theft and robbery becoming more frequent. 

As a result, the police force is undergoing a major restructuring to address these issues.

Among the new recruits, 15,099 are constables and naik (assistant constables), while the remaining 4,647 include Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ATSI), Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI), Traffic Sub-Inspectors (TSI), sergeants, and both armed and unarmed police inspectors. 

Additionally, there are 304 senior officers, such as Assistant Police Commissioners, Additional Deputy Police Commissioners, Deputy Police Commissioners, Joint Commissioners, Additional Police Commissioners, and Commissioners, joining the force.

Since August 5 last year, 18,442 police officers were transferred from Dhaka, including 13,578 constables and naik. 

The remaining officers transferred included 4,602 ATSI, ASI, TSI, sergeants, and armed and unarmed police inspectors. 

Additionally, 262 senior officers also made the move.

Officers coming from districts are still adjusting to the fast-paced environment of Dhaka. 

This transition has made it difficult for some of the new recruits to perform their duties effectively. 

However, the DMP is focused on rebuilding trust with the public and improving their efforts to restore order and discipline.

One police officer noted, "The policing we did in the districts is quite different from here in Dhaka. We hope that in a few days, we will be able to overcome this and put all efforts into making the DMP a well-organized and disciplined force."

The traffic division of Dhaka faces the biggest challenges, as a mix of experienced and inexperienced officers is tasked with restoring order. 

A police officer remarked that cooperation from the public is essential for the system to work. 

"It’s quite challenging, but each new member is really enjoying the experience. With the support of the people, it becomes easier for us," said one sergeant.

While some improvements have been seen in the law and order situation, the police acknowledge that more time will be needed to fully address the challenges and reach a stable situation.

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, the DC of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, emphasized that policing in Dhaka differs significantly from policing in rural areas. 

“In metropolitan areas, you need to respond very quickly, and the population density is much higher. I hope the officers working here have already proven their capabilities,” he said.

Despite the challenges, DMP is focused on training and supporting their new recruits, with a goal of creating a more organized and effective police force in Dhaka. 

The road to fully restoring public trust may take time, but the DMP is committed to working towards that goal.