Summary:
- DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali announced a new system to ensure police officers respond to general diaries (GDs) within 1-2 hours instead of the previous 48-72 hours.
- Officers will visit complainants, assess the situation, and take appropriate action based on the nature of the incident.
- A week-long training program for new personnel will be conducted to implement these changes within the next 10-15 days.
- The initiative aims to make police services more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused in Dhaka.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali has announced a significant overhaul in police response times to improve public service delivery in the capital city. Speaking at a “Meet the Press” event held on Monday, December 9, at the DMP Media Center, Commissioner Ali emphasized his commitment to transforming the police force into a more service-oriented institution.
“I am a servant, not a revenue or tax collector. My job is to serve,” stated Commissioner Ali, underlining his vision for a police force that prioritizes public service over bureaucratic processes. He further elaborated on new measures aimed at expediting responses to general diary (GD) filings. Previously, it could take 48 to 72 hours for officers to act on GDs; under the new system, officers will respond within one to two hours of a GD being filed. This includes visiting the complainant and assessing the situation’s severity to determine appropriate actions.
The commissioner clarified that cases requiring formal complaints would still involve filing lawsuits at police stations, followed by the appointment of investigating officers. However, he assured that no incident would go unaddressed. “If an incident warrants a case, it will be registered as such. If it requires a GD, then only a GD will be filed,” he explained.
To implement these changes effectively, the DMP plans to train new personnel over the next 10 to 15 days. Officers will undergo a week-long training program before being deployed to police stations. Commissioner Ali expressed his desire to reduce response times significantly, ensuring prompt and efficient service delivery.
This initiative comes amid broader discussions about police reform in Bangladesh. Experts have long called for transforming the police force into a democratic and citizen-centered institution, moving away from outdated colonial-era practices. Enhanced accountability, transparency, and responsiveness are central to these reforms, which aim to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public.
The announcement also coincides with heightened security measures in Dhaka due to ongoing political tensions and protests. While these challenges persist, Commissioner Ali’s commitment to improving police responsiveness highlights efforts to address public concerns and enhance trust in law enforcement during critical times.
As Bangladesh continues its journey toward modernizing its policing system, these measures mark a step forward in fostering a more efficient and people-focused approach to public safety and justice.
Source: Kalbela
