Community policing; bringing police and citizen together
Last month five cops were beaten in Bangladesh. They were beaten by petty criminals in two separate cases. These incidents took place in the western district of Jhenidaha and in the northern district of Netrokona. In Jhenidaha a four member police team raided a house in a village and arrested a drug peddler. Hearing this, his accomplices came and attacked the police and not only they snatched the drug peddler but also beat up three cops and confined them to a house. Later the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) came and rescued the police members. In the other incident in Netrokona two officers went to arrest an accused of a criminal case, who in turn, with his accomplices beat up the cops and also confined them to a house. Later a team of police came and rescued them. Attack on police is not uncommon in Bangladesh, especially in large agitations and processions by political parties, garments workers, religious and outlawed groups.
Bangladesh Police
USA 2002 Police Week - Washington DC
Orlando Police FL USA - Ford Crown Victoria Police...However, attacks on police by petty criminals are unusual. In recent days one can see the rise of such incidents in Bangladesh. For instance, in another incident in the northern district of Mymensingh an accused criminal was snatched away from police by his accomplices leaving six policemen injured.
It is important to note that in these cases police are acting on their own without the involvement or help from the local citizen. This is due to the fear that general people have against the police. The historical context has a bearing on this fear. The British, during their rule in this sub-continent introduced the policing system to maintain their control and fight crime in this area. Hence they developed a force that acted more like a military unit rather a unit...