In a robust bid to fortify public safety and dismantle the growing threat of youth gangs and street robbery, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is set to significantly expand its digital eyes across the capital. A fresh initiative is underway to install 11,000 new CCTV cameras at strategic points throughout the metropolis, marking a major transition towards high-tech urban policing.
Acting Commissioner Sarwar confirmed the move, noting that the procurement process is currently at the tender stage. This massive influx of technology is designed to provide law enforcement with a comprehensive, real-time overview of the city’s most volatile areas. At present, the capital relies on a modest network of 1,910 functional cameras—710 managed directly by the DMP and 1,200 operated via coordination committees in neighbourhoods such as Gulshan and Banani.
Focusing on high-risk districts
The authorities are placing a particular spotlight on Mohammadpur, an area that has seen a recent spike in gang-related activity. Sarwar stated that 700 cameras are already being fitted in this district alone to curb the influence of “juvenile gangs” and opportunistic muggers. To bolster this digital shield, a new police outpost has been opened in Bosila, with further plans for expansion. Additionally, senior officers, including Assistant Commissioners and Patrol Inspectors, have been deployed across all 50 stations in the capital to ensure a heightened physical presence alongside the new tech.
Deputy Commissioner of Media and Public Relations, NM Nasiruddin, highlighted that the current system has already proved its worth. Footage analysis has become a cornerstone of modern criminal investigations in the city, allowing officers to solve thefts and robberies with greater precision. A central control room monitors these feeds around the clock, enabling rapid response teams to be dispatched the moment an incident is flagged.
A strategy of total vigilance
The DMP is not relying solely on fixed hardware. For major national events, such as Pahela Baishakh, temporary surveillance units are utilised to ensure crowds remain safe. This digital strategy is being integrated with traditional policing methods, including block raids, regular patrols, and undercover intelligence work.
Beyond the immediate fight against crime, police officials believe the expanded camera network will be a vital tool in untangling the city’s notorious traffic congestion. By identifying bottlenecks in real-time, the DMP aims to improve the flow of vehicles across the capital. This dual-purpose rollout signals a new era for Dhaka, where technology and boots on the ground work in tandem to secure the streets.
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