Rampura police station works to rebuild after violent unrest

Like many police stations throughout Bangladesh, the Rampura station of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police was not spared from violence during recent protests.

On the afternoon of July 19, a furious mob attacked the station, setting fire to vehicles parked outside, forcing officers to evacuate and leaving the facility unattended.

Following the establishment of an interim government, operations resumed at the Rampura police station, which is striving to recover despite various challenges. Unlike most DMP stations, Rampura operates from a limited space within a semi-pucca tin-roofed building.

A visit to the station revealed that due to insufficient parking, vehicles were lined up on the street while officers on duty worked inside the cramped facility.

Regarding the attack and arson, several officers recounted how an enraged group set fire to the police outpost in Banasree Block C that afternoon, compelling the in-charge and other officers to retreat to the main station with their vehicles and weapons.

The mob then vandalized and torched patrol cars and vehicles seized in various cases. Fortunately, the main station building sustained no damage.

Some officers, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that fear still lingers among them, and they have not fully mentally recovered. They expressed anxiety over potential transfers, with one sub-inspector mentioning the possibility of receiving a transfer order at any moment, adding to their stress.

The former in-charge of the Rampura police outpost, Sub-Inspector Nadim Mahmud, could not be reached for comment as his phone was switched off. He is currently stationed at Kaptai police station in Rangamati.

Officers reported that the station is supposed to have 39 SIs but currently has only 20. Similarly, of the 33 ASIs, only 25 are present, and only three of the five patrol cars are operational.

Crimes such as theft, robbery, fights, and domestic disputes have risen, and since the station resumed operations, the number of individuals seeking services has surged. Hundreds visit the station daily, overwhelming the police, who struggle to serve the large Rampura area with limited resources.

"We have not yet fully stabilized. There are various issues," said Rampura police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Ataur Rahman.

"It takes time to rebuild a broken system."

Ataur noted that the process of transferring officers is ongoing—some are joining, while others are leaving. 

He stated that repairs on damaged vehicles are in progress and emphasized that despite the challenges, they are committed to providing services to the public. 

“Regular patrols are continuing, and we are working to boost the morale of police officers so they can deliver the expected services to the community.”

He mentioned that they are receiving a better response than before. “People are coming to the station with their complaints, and our officers have been instructed to ensure that no one leaves dissatisfied. However, it will take more time to return to complete normalcy.”

It is important to note that during the student and public protests in July and August, and following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's regime, over 500 police stations across the country were attacked, vandalized, looted, and set ablaze, including 22 stations under the DMP.