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