Dhaka’s ‘safe city’ project to deploy 15,000 AI cameras
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The government is set to implement a project titled “Safe City” to curb the alarming rise in mugging, extortion, murder, rape, teen gang activities, and traffic law violations in Dhaka.
Under this project, 15,000 CCTV cameras and devices will be installed at traffic signals and intersections throughout the city. These cameras and devices will be equipped with vehicle identification and facial recognition technology.
Just like the cities of the developed world, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used to restrain criminals or those who violate the law.
Multinational companies from several countries, including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, have expressed interest in providing technical assistance for the Police Headquarters’ project, which is valued around Tk 1,500 crore.
At least 10 companies, including Oracle and Cisco, have already given their presentations at the Police Headquarters. Some companies have even shown interest in implementing the project with their own funding.
In this project to build a safe city, all cameras and devices will be connected through advanced software. For this purpose, an information database and center will be developed, from which every point will be monitored through AI. Those involved will be able to see on the monitoring cell screens how and which way a criminal is escaping.
Even the weapons, uniforms, and handcuffs of the law enforcement agencies will be fitted with advanced devices, including GPS and IoT. This system is being put in place so that no member of the force can get involved in wrongdoing while using government weapons and uniforms.
An official involved with the project told Agamir Somoy, “Initially, the cost of the project was proposed at Tk 1,000 crore. Later, as some areas of Purbachal, Gazipur, and Narayanganj were included in the DMP, the cost was increased by Tk 200 crore. However, it could reach Tk 1,500 crore in the final stage.”
According to his information, at least Tk 996 crore has been allocated for high-quality CCTV cameras and devices alone.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “Some foreign companies are interested in implementing the entire project. They will recover their costs through a toll system. They also want to take responsibility for maintenance. They have already shown their presentations. However, a final decision has not been made yet.”
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), with technical assistance from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), has launched an AI technology-based traffic signal system on a trial basis at eight locations in Dhaka.
The spots are Banglamotor, Hotel Intercontinental, Minto Road, Kakrail Circle, Matsya Bhaban, Kadam Fountain, Shikkha Bhaban, and Shahbagh Intersection.
As this modern and automatic signal system is fully effective and operational, traffic police members do not have to stand constantly to give hand signals as they did before. A decision has been made to launch such modern traffic signals at 50 more important intersections of Dhaka city soon.
According to project officials, the government wants to utilize Information Technology and AI to control crime and traffic congestion after seeing the benefits of the DSCC’s pilot project. To control all types of crimes, CCTV cameras and devices will be installed at least 4,000 important intersections and traffic signals in Dhaka, which will remain operational 24 hours a day.
To look after these cameras and devices, advanced operations rooms or centers will be constructed near important intersections and traffic signals. From there, trained IT experts will maintain constant communication with the Data Center through advanced apps and software.
As a result, if any kind of accident occurs or a crime is committed in any part of the capital, its constant video footage will be stored in the Data Center, which can be used to identify the criminal.
Moreover, it will no longer be possible to hide after committing any crime. If the picture of any criminal is captured in front of the facial recognition machine, all travel information of the person concerned will be automatically available. If necessary, additional information about the person will be collected through a connection to the National Identity (NID) server.
If a vehicle moves by breaking traffic rules, the AI will also instantly identify that. An automatic SMS will be sent to the mobile phone of the vehicle owner according to the offense. Until the fine is paid, the AI will give a signal as soon as the concerned vehicle comes in front of the camera.
In addition, the AI will provide a special signal if it sees a gathering of 20-25 people, smoke, or any unwanted object on any road or intersection. If any camera is damaged or turned off, information will be available at the Data Center through the GIS method.
The project official said the Police Headquarters wants a single connection for the cameras and Data Center under this project, which will be controlled by the DMP. This is to ensure that the information in the data center does not fall into the hands of a third party. The project’s server will be controlled by the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC).
According to him, if a foreign company is given the responsibility for the project, a lot of sensitive information will go to a third party. Project officials are also considering that risk. However, saying the project is still in its initial stages, the official added that a final decision will be made only after verifying all aspects.
