Crime index
The Department of Criminology and Police Science (DCPS) of Mawlana Bhasani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) in Tangail has undertaken an exceptional publication named “Crime index 2007” of Bangladesh. This is reportedly the first ever initiative of this in the country. The book published by the APPL was formerly launched by Professor Mozaffar Ahmed, Chairperson of TIB at a function at Dhaka Reporters' Unity on 20 February 2009.
For taking such an initiative, I congratulate the team comprising faculty members and students of the Department. It is of course a praiseworthy initiative which will be useful for relevant researchers, practitioners and policy makers. However, there is concern as well regarding its continuation given the lack of trained personnel and resources in an academic institution like DCPS to continue such a venture over the years.
That is why there is a need for state patronization for such an activity. This could be done through setting up a permanent cell or unit under the auspices of the Police Headquarters or the Ministry of Home Affairs. It will undertake regular research exercises on the crime issue and come out with relevant publications. It will work in collaboration with relevant experts, academics, and researchers at academic institutes and elsewhere in the country.
During my doctoral research on the legal framework on human trafficking in South Asia (during 1997-2001), I have the opportunity to visit offices of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) based in Kolkata and New Delhi to review relevant reports and publications and consult with relevant officials. I was amazed seeing the dedication and professionalism of the officers (who are deputed from the Police). The NCRB is under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
I come to know that the India's National Police Commission in 1979 recommended to set up a Nodal Agency which would suggest a common format for maintenance of crime including the criminal records at all the Police Stations in the country. The same common format is to be utilized to create shareable databases at Police Stations, Districts, States and National level.
The NCRB over the years has developed a unique professionalism and quality in their research and publications. The best practices from the NCRB could be a point of reference in our efforts.
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