183 police officers for security of 2 million people in Teknaf Ukhiya

Crimes such as stopping passenger buses by putting up barricades on roads in broad daylight and robbing passengers and abducting people at gunpoint from markets and taking them to the hills to demand ransom are occurring regularly in Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar. Drug and arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, extortion and mugging are also increasing in the border and hilly areas. Yet the police have been unable to play an effective role in controlling these crimes. Only 183 police officers responsible for the security of more than 2 million people are struggling to cope with the situation.

According to district police data, there are 596,983 local residents in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Around 1.4 million Rohingyas live in camps in the two upazilas. In addition, at least 113,000 Rohingyas live in scattered settlements outside the camps. In total, 183 police officers are responsible for the security of more than 2 million people across the two upazilas covering 650.48 square kilometers. This means that on average one police officer has to ensure the security of more than 11,000 people.

Ukhiya Police Station has two inspectors, 10 sub inspectors, 10 assistant sub inspectors and 35 constables. Inani Police Outpost has one sub inspector, two assistant sub inspectors and five constables. Balukhali Police Outpost has one sub inspector, one assistant sub inspector and six constables. Teknaf Police Station has four inspectors, 17 sub inspectors, 18 assistant sub inspectors and 70 constables. Of these, 16 are working at Shamlapur Investigation Center, 10 at Whykong Police Outpost and 10 at Saint Martin Investigation Center. The Armed Police Battalion has separate manpower for the Rohingya camps.

A total of 463 members of APBn 16 are deployed in seven camps in Teknaf. In Ukhiya’s 11 camps, 450 members of APBn 8 and 450 members of APBn 14 are deployed.

Police officials concerned said more than 150 cases are recorded at Teknaf Police Station every month. An investigating officer has to investigate more than 40 to 45 cases at the same time. This is in addition to arresting accused persons wanted under warrants, visiting crime scenes, recording statements and preparing investigation reports.

A police officer at Teknaf Police Station who did not want to be named shared his experience. He said he had never seen such a heavy caseload at the same time in his 12-year career. He is currently investigating 20 cases alone every month. He said, “It is extremely difficult to maintain law and order with such limited manpower.”

Local residents alleged that when crimes, gunfights or accidents occur in remote areas, it is difficult to ensure the quick presence of police. They also said they do not receive quick assistance even after calling 999.