THE police station, locally known as thana in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, serves as the fundamental unit of law enforcement. Rooted in the colonial administrative framework, the thana has evolved to adapt to the socio-political and cultural context of the region. In Bangladesh, the thana is both a geographical jurisdiction and a physical establishment that upholds public safety, enforces laws, and ensures community safety. Its significance lies in its accessibility, as it operates as the first point of contact between citizens and the law enforcement apparatus.
A thana is typically situated at the heart of a specific administrative area, often encompassing urban and rural regions. Each thana is headed by an officer-in-charge, who oversees a team of police personnel, including inspector (operation), inspector (investigation), sub-inspectors (SIs), assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), and constables. The jurisdiction of a thana is well-defined, covering a cluster of neighbourhoods, villages, or wards, depending on the population density and geographic spread. The thana has police outposts, police boxes, and investigation centres to reach out to the people at the local level.
In its physical form, a thana is equipped with facilities for public service, administrative work, and detention. It houses rooms for receiving complaints, maintaining records, and coordinating operations, as well as temporary lock-up cells for suspects. The thana is at the forefront of maintaining law and order. Its primary functions include crime prevention, investigation, and community engagement. Citizens approach the thana to lodge First Information Reports and General Diary which initiate the legal process for criminal investigations. Police personnel investigate cases, collect evidence, and liaise with the judicial system to ensure the rule of law. Given its importance, police stations are fortified to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel, sensitive case records, confiscated evidence, and detained individuals. Armed sentries are strategically positioned at entrances and key locations within the premises to safeguard not only the infrastructure but also the personnel and property housed within the station.
In addition to crime control, thanas are pivotal during emergencies, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or public demonstrations. Police stations also play a significant role in conflict resolution at the local level, often mediating disputes among community members. Furthermore, thanas are responsible for executing arrest warrants, maintaining records of habitual offenders, and ensuring public safety through regular patrolling. In rural areas, the police station often works in collaboration with local community leaders to uphold peace and resolve minor disputes.
One of the most crucial roles of a thana is to foster trust and collaboration with the local community. Modern policing increasingly emphasises community policing as a way to address crime and societal issues. By engaging with citizens, holding awareness campaigns, and responding promptly to complaints, thanas can build bridges of trust and transparency between law enforcement and the public. Due to the changing nature of crimes and the evolving demands and problems of the growing population, the functional capacity of police stations as law enforcement centres has increased significantly. Consequently, the number of police personnel assigned to police stations has also grown. Modern policing has introduced various new features in police stations, such as the formation of beat policing and community policing, the establishment of service reception desks, facilities for women and children, open house days, computer and IT services, separate waiting areas for men, women, and physically challenged individuals (Smart 4T), briefing rooms, and separate barracks for male and female officers.
While security is essential for protecting police stations against potential threats, stringent access control measures often create barriers for ordinary citizens seeking police assistance. The process of entering a police station is not always straightforward, particularly for marginalised individuals, those unfamiliar with police procedures, or those without personal connections within law enforcement. These restrictions, originally implemented for security purposes, are further reinforced by bureaucratic rigidity and remnants of colonial-era policing practices, which historically prioritised authority and control over community engagement and public service.
Since the Thana serves as the primary service delivery centre for law enforcement, modern police stations should not resemble fortified enclaves that impose undue restrictions on public access. Instead, security can be maintained without compromising accessibility by adopting a more citizen-friendly approach. Sentries should be trained to interact with visitors in a way that ensures safety while fostering an open and welcoming environment. Additionally, the deployment of advanced security technologies 鈥� such as biometric access systems, surveillance cameras with facial recognition, and automated entry points 鈥� can enhance protection while reducing the reliance on static personnel at entry and exit points. Creating designated public access zones within police stations, where individuals can seek help without unnecessary procedural hurdles, can further improve service delivery. Striking the right balance between security and public accessibility is crucial to fostering trust in law enforcement and ensuring that police stations remain approachable spaces for all citizens.
Although police stations are mandated to remain open and functional 24/7 to serve the public, the reality is that citizens frequently encounter obstacles when attempting to enter. The lack of clear guidelines on how to navigate the system, combined with a perceived sense of intimidation created by armed personnel and rigid protocols, can discourage people from seeking police assistance, even in urgent situations. In many instances, victims of crime, particularly those from vulnerable communities, may feel hesitant to approach the police station due to fear of harassment, discrimination, or being turned away without assistance.
The situation becomes even more complex in metropolitan areas like Dhaka, where high population density, frequent crime reports, and administrative inefficiencies contribute to longer wait times and increased difficulty in accessing police services. It is not uncommon for individuals to spend hours attempting to reach the duty officer, especially in larger police stations handling a high volume of cases. In such circumstances, the very institution designed to protect and assist citizens risks becoming an unapproachable fortress, further widening the gap between law enforcement and the communities they are meant to serve.
Furthermore, people expect basic amenities at police stations, such as a waiting area with seating, a dedicated corner for women and children, and access to drinking water. Clean and accessible police stations symbolise inclusivity and reinforce the perception of law enforcement as a public ally rather than an obstacle. Currently, many police stations lack even these essentials 鈥� often no chairs, restrooms, or private spaces 鈥� forcing victims to wait uncomfortably. This lack of facilities sends a clear, disheartening message: police stations are unwelcoming and only seem accessible to those with influence or financial means. Much like hospitals, where people receive care, police stations should be welcoming, safe spaces for those seeking support, as they deal with fundamental aspects of people鈥檚 lives鈥攕afety, life, and property. Police stations should serve as accessible and welcoming public spaces where every individual is treated with fairness and dignity.
Notably, many police stations, outposts, and investigation centres lack physical infrastructure altogether. In major cities, police often operate out of rented buildings that are neither designed for police work nor secure from potential criminal threats. Inadequate infrastructure severely hampers police effectiveness. Realistically, the police cannot solve every problem instantly 鈥� some cases are beyond their jurisdiction or lack sufficient evidence for immediate resolution. However, the public expects that the police will always act with due diligence and sincerity, exhausting every effort to uncover the truth and solve cases to the best of their ability. People often believe that the police have the power to do anything and everything. This myth and stereotype must be dispelled from the public鈥檚 mindset through active engagement and education.
In police parlance, the engagement of sources or agents by police for gathering information on crimes and criminals is a critical tool in modern law enforcement. These sources, often embedded within communities or criminal networks, provide valuable intelligence that aids in crime prevention and investigation. However, this practice is not without risks. Some sources may misuse their association with the police to further personal agendas, settle personal vendettas, or gain undue advantage in their social or professional circles. Such abuse of power can tarnish the credibility of police operations and create mistrust within the community. Therefore, it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to establish robust oversight mechanisms, enforce strict ethical guidelines, and maintain accountability to ensure that the engagement of sources is both effective and free from misuse. Proper vetting, regular monitoring, and a clear delineation of the source鈥檚 role can help mitigate these risks and uphold the integrity of police work.
In Bangladesh, unpaid brokers or touts often operate around police stations, offering to facilitate services for individuals seeking assistance. These intermediaries, usually with informal connections to police personnel, claim to expedite processes, secure favourable outcomes, or navigate bureaucratic hurdles for those unfamiliar with police procedures. While some may provide genuine guidance, many exploit vulnerable individuals by creating unnecessary complexities to showcase their utility, often demanding money in exchange for help. This practice not only burdens people financially and emotionally but also erodes trust in the police by fostering the perception that direct access to services is difficult without intermediaries. Additionally, interactions with police station sentries can sometimes be dismissive, reinforcing the notion that police stations are indifferent or even hostile, particularly toward those without social connections. To address this issue, police stations must be free from intermediaries, sentries should be more proactive in assisting visitors without compromising security, and greater transparency and accountability must be ensured to eliminate reliance on such informal agents.
One of the most significant obstacles to effective crime investigation is the lack of resources. Inadequate funding, insufficient forensic tools, and a shortage of qualified personnel hinder the police鈥檚 ability to conduct thorough investigations. The General Diary entries or complaints filed by citizens are crucial for ensuring justice and safety. However, investigating these matters often lacks any government-provided budget or vehicle allocation. Sub-inspectors or assistant sub-inspectors frequently rely on personal funds to hire CNGs or auto-rickshaws to visit incident sites. Depending on the distance, these rides cost between Tk 500 and Tk 1,000. On average, a rural police station handles 20-25 GDs or complaints monthly, making the cumulative expense significant. It is imperative for the government to allocate specific funds to cover these recurring investigation costs.
Government allocations for fuel allow patrol vehicles to operate for only 15-20 days a month. To sustain operations for the remaining days, SIs/ASIs must bear fuel costs out of pocket. After enduring sleepless nights on patrol duty, it is unreasonable to expect officers to spend Tk 500-1,000 from their limited salaries for fuel. It is necessary to ensure sufficient fuel allocation to support uninterrupted patrol services.
In rural police stations, there are typically only 2-3 government vehicles available for night patrols. These vehicles are overused, causing them to age rapidly and become unserviceable. For instance, a vehicle assigned to night patrol remains in continuous operation 鈥� after one team completes its shift, another team immediately takes over and uses the same vehicle for their duties. Due to the lack of additional vehicles, the limited fleet is subjected to excessive wear and tear, accelerating deterioration and reducing its operational lifespan.
However, to address the risks and demands of maintaining public safety, 5-7 patrol teams are often deployed. In such situations, local CNG vehicles are forcibly requisitioned, a practice that persists year-round. Unfortunately, there is no government provision for fuel, food, or fare for these drivers, leading to growing resentment towards the police. To prevent public dissatisfaction and ensure equitable treatment, it is necessary to allocate resources to cover these expenses.
Police stations frequently encounter unclaimed bodies within their jurisdictions. Many of these bodies are decomposed, requiring careful handling and inspection. The assistance of mortuary assistants (doms) is essential in such cases, but they must be paid, often along with food or other incentives. Additional costs include transporting the body to and from the hospital, conducting post-mortems, fingerprint collection, DNA profiling, publishing notices in newspapers, and burial. Officers bear these costs personally, as the investigation allowance is woefully inadequate compared to the expenses incurred. The government must ensure proper financial support to handle such cases.
Investigating cases demands significant financial resources. A standard case costs around Tk 5,000-7,000 to investigate, while complex cases such as robbery or rape can cost between Tk 20,000 and Tk 30,000. However, the investigation allowance provided by the government is limited to Tk 2,000-5,000. To ensure effective and thorough investigations, government funding should align with the actual costs involved.
Maintaining informants is critical for gathering intelligence and ensuring proactive policing. Each month, SIs/ASIs spend Tk 5,000-10,000 from their own salaries to support their sources. Unfortunately, there is no government provision for this essential expenditure. The authorities may introduce a source allowance to ease this burden on officers.
The process of arresting an accused, keeping them in custody, and presenting them in court involves expenses ranging from Tk 1,500 to 2,000 per case. Currently, there is no government allocation for these necessary expenses.
Basic office supplies such as chairs, tables, computers, printers, files, notebooks, pens, and other stationery are essential for daily operations. However, these items are not sufficiently provided, forcing them to purchase using personal funds. The government should provide sufficient resources to equip police stations with these essential supplies.
Community policing initiatives, public meetings, seminars, banners, festoons, and announcements via microphones are vital for fostering trust and cooperation between the police and the community. However, these activities are currently funded personally by officers. It is expected that the government shall allocate funds for these programmes to ensure their sustainability.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of efficient policing. Officers frequently use their personal mobile phones for official purposes, incurring significant expenses. The government should allocate a budget to cover communication costs to enable seamless operations.
The modernisation of police stations in Bangladesh is not merely an infrastructural upgrade but a fundamental shift towards a more effective, technology-driven, and community-focused policing model. Ensuring the successful implementation of these changes requires sustained investment, strategic planning, and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public. By prioritising these improvements, Bangladesh police can enhance its ability to maintain law and order, protect citizens, and respond to emerging security challenges in the 21st century.
听To be continued.
听
Dr Md Motiar Rahman is a retired deputy inspector general of police.
