Transport crisis grips Ctg cops

The Chattogram district police has been facing a transport crisis severely, often being compelled to requisite private transports for running operational activities.

Seeking anonymity, officers-in-charge of several police stations said they have no option but to requisite buses, microbuses, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, or other passenger carriers to meet their transport requirement.

At present, 37 double-cabin and five single-cabin pick-up vans are being used by the Chattogram district police force, for nearly 3,000 police personnel under 17 police stations, 10 investigation centres, eight police outposts, and one permanent police camp under 15 upazilas.

The operational works include patrol duties, drives, investigation, escort duties, and VIP protocols.

Most of the vans are in a deplorable condition and need urgent repairs. Amid the scenario, police are resorting to requisitioned vehicles to send arrested criminals to the court, which poses a security threat.

At present, 37 double-cabin and five single-cabin pick-up vans are being used by the Chattogram district police force for nearly 3,000 police personnel under 17 police stations, 10 investigation centres, eight police outposts, and one permanent police camp under 15 upazilas.

The officials said ahead of the upcoming election time, the demand for police transport will rise, forcing them to use public transport for discharging duties.

Sometimes, they face untoward situations regarding vehicle requisition, said district traffic inspectors.

"In the rural area, three-wheelers or CNG-run auto-rickshaws are being requisitioned for night rounds, although carrying firearms in local transport is often unsafe," said an OC of a police station.

For requisition of vehicles, police bear the fuel cost and food expense for the driver.

OC Mirza Mohammad Hasan of South Rangunia Police Station said, "We have only a double cabin police van which is used for OC's movement. We use requisitioned vehicles for patrol duties. During an emergency, the force uses the official van to move fast."

"Based on the current situation, we need a minimum of four vans to ensure better and smoother services," said the OC.

OC Md Helal Uddin of Bhujpur Police Station in Fatikchhari echoed the same.

Earlier, a High Court bench in 2019 directed police not to use requisitioned private cars, CNG-run auto-rickshaw and taxi.

Saddam Hossain, a microbus owner in Patiya, said, "Frequent requisition by police caused trouble in our business. Also, local drivers don't enjoy the ride with police for various reasons."

SM Safiullah, superintendent of police in Chattogram, said they are trying their best with limited resources.