Traffic police have returned to the streets of Dhaka, ending a weeklong gap that followed the sudden resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who ruled for 15 years.
The megacity of 20 million people saw its streets devoid of law enforcement last week after Hasina fled abroad, leaving a vacuum in the city’s security.
The police, who had been criticized for leading a deadly crackdown on protests against Hasina’s government, had withdrawn from duty, citing concerns for their safety. The protests had resulted in the deaths of over 450 people, including 42 police officers.
The strike ended after late-night negotiations between the police and the new interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Tejgaon traffic zone constable Mostafizur Rahman at Khamarbari intersection said that they started performing their duties at 7:30 am.
"Now they have no more fear. Everyone is supporting them.", he said.
Meanwhile, in the absence of the traffic police, students and people have been maintaining order on the road for the past few days. Even after the traffic police began their duty, they were seen maintaining order on the roads.
Ashraf Uddin Sardar, a student of Dhaka International University, who is responsible for traffic at Khamarbari intersection, said as the traffic police are still afraid, they are not able to work properly on the road.
"The students are on the road to give their courage. We will leave if the traffic police start working without fear," he added.
Masum Billah, another student at Kadam Foara intersection in Segun Bagiccha, said, "We didn't know that the traffic police would come down the road today. Since the traffic police are on the road now, we will not come again from tomorrow. But if we need any cooperation from the administration, we are ready. For now we are cooperating them and monitoring their activities."
Hossain Tejgaon traffic zone Sergeant Md. Sohrab, while performing duty at Farmgate intersection, told Banglanews: "Everyone is responding very well. We are excited. The fear is gone. Now students need to concentrate on their studies. If volunteers are needed then policymakers will direct it."
After a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (August 11), the coordinator of the agitating policemen, Inspector Zahidul Islam and Constable Shoaib Hasan, announced that they would join work from Monday.
They told the media, "Most of our demands to the government have been assured to be accepted. Therefore, we announce the withdrawal of the strike. I hope everyone will return to their duties nicely."
The 76-year-old Hasina fled to India after massive protests erupted in Dhaka, marking a dramatic end to her authoritarian rule, which had been marred by allegations of severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings of political opponents.
BDST: 1315 HRS, AUG 12, 2024
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