Public involvement key to police success: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has said that active public engagement is the primary driver behind the police's success in maintaining law and order.

Speaking as the chief guest at a special meeting organized by the Law and Order Coordination Committee (LOCC) at Gulshan Police Station on Saturday, the Commissioner highlighted the importance of community collaboration in crime prevention and control.

“The key to successful policing lies in public involvement,” he stated. “In Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan, residents have taken the initiative—both organizationally and financially—to bring the entire area under CCTV surveillance. This has not only helped prevent crimes but has also enabled swift identification and prosecution of offenders.”

He noted that citizen participation has significantly contributed to lowering crime rates in the area.

LOCC President Barrister Omar Sadat said the committee was established through a joint initiative of the Gulshan, Baridhara, Banani, and Niketan societies to strengthen trust between the police and the public. “What began with just 25 CCTV cameras now comprises nearly 1,500, covering the entire area with security services,” he added.

Presenting the technical aspects of the initiative, LOCC Secretary General Shamsul Arefin Chowdhury said the citizen-funded surveillance network is fully operated under DMP supervision.

Vice President Shawkat Hossain Dilun noted that the extensive CCTV coverage has virtually eliminated street crime in the area. “Over its 13-year journey, the LOCC has shown how public–police cooperation and modern technology can transform urban security. This success can serve as a model for other parts of Dhaka,” he said.

Following the meeting, the DMP Commissioner visited the CCTV operations room at Gulshan Police Station.

The event was attended by senior DMP officials including Additional Police Commissioner (Administration) Md. Sarwar, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam, PPM, and Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Zillur Rahman, along with leaders from the Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan societies.