CMP launches SMS service for plaintiffs

With an aim to take policing to people's doorsteps and bridge the gap between plaintiff and police, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) introduced a Short Messaging Service (SMS) based complaint and response management system yesterday.

CMP officials said through this service, any complainant or plaintiff will know the last status of the case or general diary (GD) after lodging complaints with respective police station.

Titled "CMP BONDHON", CMP commissioner Saleh Ahmed Tanvir inaugurated the system as part of "Mujib Borsho" celebration at 16 police stations which will come into effect from January 1, 2021.

Addressing a press briefing held at CMP Headquarters, Commissioner Saleh said, "It's a central automatic online software system and now we are running the system on a trial basis."

"Usually, we register all complaints in the register book of the police station after getting a case or GD. The plaintiff would visit the police station often to know the name of the Investigation Officer (IO) and update the case, which was a time-consuming matter," said CMP boss.

"When a case or GD is lodged with any police station through the system, an SMS will be sent from the system mentioning the case/ GD number, name of IO, section of laws (as per the complaint) and the full address of the plaintiff," said police official Saleh.

He also said "Both IO and plaintiff of the case or GD will receive the SMS notification through the system. In case the IO of the case changes, the name of the new IO will also be sent to the plaintiff."

Apart from that, SMS will be sent when police press charges in the case. It will include the charge sheet number or final report number, submission date and sections of the laws, he added.

"Senior officials of the zone will be informed as they will also receive the SMS to their phones from the system so that they can monitor it," Saleh Mohammed Tanvir said.

Police officials said the service is totally free and the system will be reviewed after two or three months based on its performance.

In the press conference, CMP commissioner said no one is allowed this year to celebrate outdoor programmes on the night of December 31st. Presenting 16 restrictions, the commissioner said no one will be allowed to use any public place, open space or rooftop for New Year celebrations on 31st night."

CMP additional commissioners, DCs of the four Zones, and Officers-in-Charge of police stations were present during the press briefing.